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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
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.
Abstract:
Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare congenital disease caused by an arrest in normal myocardial embryogenesis, leading to persistence of numerous prominent trabeculations that communicate with the left ventricle. It was first described as a congenital condition affecting children, but several cases have been reported of late presentation. The main clinical manifestations are congestive heart failure, arrhythmias (supraventricular or ventricular) and systemic embolism. We present the case of a 51-year-old patient brought to our emergency department after an episode of symptomatic ventricular flutter requiring electrical cardioversion. Two-dimensional echocardiography with color Doppler suggested the diagnosis and the three-dimensional echocardiogram revealed the deep trabeculations typical of LVNC.
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