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Updated: May 21, 2026

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
Isolated left ventricular noncompaction in a 90-year-old man.
Cihan Cevik1, Raymond F Stainback
1Department of Adult Cardiology, Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. ccevik@sleh.com
Isolated ventricular noncompaction, a rare heart condition, can occur in older adults. This case study shows a 90-year-old man with this cardiomyopathy successfully managed with medical treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Heart Failure Research
Background:
- Isolated ventricular noncompaction (IVNC) is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy characterized by excessive trabeculation and deep intertrabecular recesses in the myocardium.
- While increasingly diagnosed due to enhanced imaging, IVNC is exceptionally uncommon as a cause of heart failure in the nonagenarian population.
Observation:
- A 90-year-old male presented with new-onset heart failure.
- Transthoracic echocardiography revealed isolated left ventricular noncompaction, specifically affecting the apical and inferolateral segments with a spongy texture.
Findings:
- The patient received medical management for his heart failure symptoms.
- At a 3-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, indicating successful treatment and management of IVNC.
Implications:
- This case highlights that IVNC, even in advanced age, can be managed effectively, allowing patients to maintain a good quality of life.
- Increased awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities are crucial for identifying and treating IVNC across all age groups, potentially improving long-term patient outcomes.
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