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Isolated ventricular noncompaction mimicking arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy--a study of nine
Insights
Isolated noncompaction can affect both ventricles, mimicking arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). This study highlights the importance of considering ventricular noncompaction in ARVC evaluations, especially when excessive trabeculation is present.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Isolated ventricular noncompaction typically affects the left ventricle.
- Characterized by deep trabecular recesses and increased wall thickness.
- This study focuses on cases mimicking arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To present patients with isolated noncompaction of both ventricles.
- To highlight the differential diagnosis between noncompaction and ARVC.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing noncompaction in ARVC evaluations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 9 patients initially diagnosed with ARVC.
- Clinical evaluation, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) in 8 patients.
- Cardiac catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy in 2 patients each.
Main Results:
- All 9 patients showed morphologic/functional RV changes: enlargement and hypertrabeculation.
- 4 patients had global RV hypokinesis; 5 had focal wall motion abnormalities.
- Biopsies revealed thickened endocardium, fibrosis, myocardial damage, and lymphocyte infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Ventricular noncompaction should be considered in right ventricular cardiomyopathies with excessive trabeculation.
- Utilizing Task Force criteria for ARVC can improve diagnostic accuracy in complex cases.
- This finding broadens the understanding of noncompaction's presentation and diagnostic challenges.
Background:
Isolated ventricular noncompaction is considered to predominantly affect the left ventricle. It is characterized by increased left ventricular wall thickness and deep intertrabecular recesses with to-and-fro blood flow that remains in continuity with the ventricular flow. Aim of the study was to present a group of patients with isolated noncompaction of both ventricles mimicking arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
Methods:
Reported group consisted of 9 pts initially diagnosed with ARVC (mean age 37.9 y, 7 male), who underwent basic clinical evaluation. CMR was performed in 8 pts, cardiac catheterization in 2 pts and endomyocardial biopsy in 2 pts. Mean age at presentation of first symptoms was 23.5 y (5-44 y). Heart failure symptoms were observed in 4 pts, atrial fibrillation in 3 pts, ventricular tachycardia in 2 pts (polymorphic--in 2 pts) and syncope in 3 pts. Final diagnosis of noncompaction was established according to generally accepted criteria.
Results:
Morphologic and/or functional changes in the right ventricle were seen in 9 pts (100%): enlargement and hypertrabeculation of the right ventricle in all pts, global hypokinesis in 4 pts, focal wall motion abnormalities and/or bulges typical for ARVC in 5 pts. Two pts had significant tricuspid regurgitation. Endomyocardial biopsy (2 pts) showed abnormal thick endocardium, interstitial fibrosis, myocardial damage and lymphocyte infiltration.
Conclusions:
1) Noncompaction of ventricular myocardium should be considered during the evaluation of right ventricular cardiomyopathies with excessive trabeculation. 2) In problematic cases Task Force criteria for ARVC should be used to improve the accuracy of assessment.
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