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Updated: May 25, 2026

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
06:34

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography

Published on: October 28, 2020

Isolated left ventricular noncompaction in sub-Saharan Africa: a clinical and echocardiographic perspective

Ferande Peters1, Bijoy K Khandheria, Claudia dos Santos

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Circulation. Cardiovascular Imaging
|January 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Isolated left ventricular noncompaction (ILVNC) in Africans often involves both ventricles and is linked to pulmonary hypertension. This study highlights key echocardiographic features in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Isolated left ventricular noncompaction (ILVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy.
  • It results from impaired fetal myocardial compaction, leading to heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardioembolism.
  • Limited data exists on ILVNC's clinical and echocardiographic profile in African populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of ILVNC in African patients.
  • To identify specific features of ILVNC in this demographic.
  • To compare findings with healthy controls of African descent.

Main Methods:

  • A single-center, prospective case-control study.
  • Screening and diagnosis of ILVNC based on specific echocardiographic criteria (LVNC ratio >2, apical trabeculations >3, deep intertrabecular recesses).
  • Inclusion of 54 ILVNC patients and a control group of African descent.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of ILVNC in the cardiomyopathy clinic was 6.9%.
  • Heart failure with systolic dysfunction (98.1%) was the primary presentation, with reduced ejection fraction (26.7±11.9%).
  • Biventricular abnormalities (right ventricular noncompaction in 22.2%, dilation in 74.1%, depressed function in 59.3%) and pulmonary hypertension (83.3%) were common.

Conclusions:

  • ILVNC in patients of African descent frequently presents with biventricular abnormalities.
  • Pulmonary hypertension is a significant associated finding.
  • These findings expand the understanding of ILVNC beyond isolated left ventricular involvement.
Abstract

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