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Noncompacted ventricular myocardium: is syncope the only warning sign?
Trieu Q Ho1, Daniel J Lenihan, Bharat K Kantharia
1Division of Cardiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|April 14, 2010
Summary
A young boy with ventricular noncompaction and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome experienced syncope. Successful ablation for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome was achieved, followed by implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Ventricular noncompaction is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy.
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a common cause of supraventricular tachycardia in young individuals.
- Coexistence of these two conditions presents unique management challenges.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old male presented with syncope.
- The patient was diagnosed with left ventricular noncompaction and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
- Electrocardiogram and echocardiogram revealed characteristic findings.
Findings:
- Radiofrequency catheter ablation successfully eliminated the accessory pathway associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
- An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted due to patient and family preferences, despite successful ablation.
- The case highlights the successful management of a complex cardiac condition in a pediatric patient.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex congenital heart diseases.
- Successful ablation for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can significantly improve outcomes.
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation decisions require careful consideration of patient-specific factors and shared decision-making.
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