[Make a point on left ventricular noncompaction]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Left ventricular hypertrabeculation is a distinct morphological feature, not synonymous with left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) cardiomyopathy.
• Current diagnostic criteria for LVNC are not standardized, necessitating a comprehensive clinical approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the diagnostic features differentiating hypertrabeculation from LVNC.
• To highlight the importance of integrating various clinical and imaging data for accurate LVNC diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentation, family history, and diagnostic workup for patients with left ventricular hypertrabeculation and LVNC.
• Integration of imaging modalities (echocardiography, cardiac MRI) and genetic testing findings.

Main Results:

• Hypertrabeculation alone does not confirm LVNC; diagnosis requires a constellation of findings.
• Key diagnostic indicators include family history, neuromuscular disorders, heart failure symptoms, thromboembolic events, syncope, and ECG/echocardiographic abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of LVNC necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, combining imaging, clinical history, and genetic evaluation.
• Further multicenter studies and registries are crucial for understanding LVNC pathology, risk stratification, and follow-up.