[Two rare cases of left ventricular non-compaction diagnosed in elderly patients]

Kardiologia Polska
|September 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Isolated non-compaction of the left ventricle (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy. This report details two elderly patients diagnosed with LVNC, highlighting the condition

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Isolated non-compaction of the left ventricle (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy.
  • It is characterized by an altered myocardial wall with prominent trabeculae and deep intertrabecular recesses.
  • This condition results from an intrauterine arrest of compaction, leading to two distinct myocardial layers.

Observation:

  • LVNC is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in adults.
  • There is currently no specific therapy for left ventricular non-compaction.
  • Two rare cases of LVNC were diagnosed in elderly patients.

Findings:

  • The study presents two unique cases of LVNC in elderly individuals.
  • This highlights the potential for late diagnosis of this rare cardiomyopathy.
  • The findings underscore the importance of considering LVNC in older patients presenting with relevant cardiac symptoms.

Implications:

  • These cases suggest LVNC may be underdiagnosed in the elderly population.
  • Further research is needed to understand the long-term outcomes and potential management strategies for LVNC in older adults.
  • Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for LVNC in elderly patients could improve patient outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...