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Published on: May 5, 2018
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy
E G Tsapakis1, M Eleftheriades, G Daskalakis
1Embryocare, Fetal Medicine Unit, Athens, Greece.
Insights
Isolated left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a rare genetic cardiomyopathy. This case report details a prenatal diagnosis of LVNC at 25 weeks gestation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Prenatal Diagnosis
Background:
- Isolated left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy.
- It is characterized by prominent trabeculae and deep recesses in the left ventricle.
- LVNC is classified as a primary genetic cardiomyopathy or unclassified cardiomyopathy.
Observation:
- This report presents a case of LVNC detected prenatally.
- The diagnosis was made at 25 + 4 weeks of gestation.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates the feasibility of prenatal detection of LVNC.
- Key features include thickened myocardium with compacted and non-compacted layers.
Implications:
- Prenatal diagnosis of LVNC allows for early management and genetic counseling.
- This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in identifying congenital heart anomalies.
- Further research into the genetic basis and long-term outcomes of prenatally diagnosed LVNC is warranted.
Abstract:
Isolated left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a rare disorder, classified as a primary genetic cardiomyopathy by the American Heart Association or as an unclassified cardiomyopathy by the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases. The key features are the prominent trabeculae and deep intratrabecular recesses resulting in thickened myocardium with the two layers consisting of compacted and non-compacted myocardium. These recesses are in continuity with the left ventricular cavity and are filled with blood without evidence of communication to the epicardial coronary artery system. We present a case of LVNC detected prenatally at 25 + 4 weeks of gestation.
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