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Asymptomatic left ventricular noncompaction--implications for athletic participation

Michael E Pitzer1, Peter H Seidenberg, Matthew Silvis

  • 11Family Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA; 2Penn State University Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship - State College, Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State University, State College, PA; and 3Penn State Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, Departments of Family and Community Medicine and Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA.

Current Sports Medicine Reports
|March 11, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare heart muscle condition. Research is needed to understand disease progression and outcomes in asymptomatic adults with LVNC.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Myocardial Diseases

Background:

  • Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy characterized by abnormal left ventricular myocardial development.
  • Current understanding of LVNC primarily comes from symptomatic patients at referral centers, limiting knowledge of its natural history.
  • The progression and outcomes of incidentally discovered, asymptomatic LVNC in adults remain largely uncharacterized.

Observation:

  • Limited data exists on the long-term prognosis of individuals with asymptomatic left ventricular noncompaction.
  • There are no evidence-based guidelines for clinical surveillance or therapeutic interventions in this patient group.
  • The impact of LVNC on athletic eligibility is not well-defined, particularly in low-risk individuals.

Findings:

  • Disease progression and clinical outcomes for adult patients with incidentally found, asymptomatic LVNC are not established.
  • The lack of data prevents the development of evidence-based recommendations for follow-up and treatment.
  • Insufficient evidence currently supports restricting athletic participation in asymptomatic, low-risk individuals with LVNC.

Implications:

  • Further research is crucial to define the natural history and risk stratification of asymptomatic LVNC.
  • Establishing follow-up protocols and intervention criteria for asymptomatic LVNC is a clinical priority.
  • Clarifying the safety of athletic participation for low-risk individuals with LVNC requires more investigation.

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