Left ventricular noncompaction: diagnosis by three-dimensional echocardiography

Emanuel Correia1, Luís Ferreira Santos, Bruno Rodrigues

  • 1Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de S. Teotónio EPE, Viseu, Portugal. emanuelbaptista@gmail.com

Insights

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare congenital heart defect. This case highlights a late presentation in a 51-year-old with ventricular flutter, diagnosed via echocardiography.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Embryology

Background:

  • Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy.
  • It results from abnormal myocardial development during embryogenesis.
  • Characterized by excessive trabeculations and deep intertrabecular spaces in the left ventricle.

Observation:

  • A 51-year-old patient presented with symptomatic ventricular flutter.
  • The patient required electrical cardioversion for arrhythmia management.
  • Clinical manifestations can include heart failure, arrhythmias, and embolism.

Findings:

  • Two-dimensional echocardiography with color Doppler suggested LVNC.
  • Three-dimensional echocardiography confirmed deep trabeculations characteristic of LVNC.
  • This case demonstrates a late-onset presentation of LVNC.

Implications:

  • LVNC can present in adulthood with significant cardiac events.
  • Echocardiography, particularly 3D, is crucial for diagnosing LVNC.
  • Understanding late presentations is vital for timely diagnosis and management of LVNC.

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