[Saw tooth cardiomyopathy: How to better diagnose?]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Pathology

Background:

• Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging is increasingly utilized.
• Rare forms of myocardial dysplasia, termed "sawtooth cardiomyopathy" or "tiger heart," are infrequently reported.
• The pathological characteristics and prognostic implications of these conditions are not well-understood.

Observation:

• A case of sawtooth cardiomyopathy in a patient experiencing a transient ischemic attack is presented.
• This condition is often misdiagnosed or equated with left ventricular non-compaction.
• Diagnostic criteria using MRI and echocardiography require further elucidation.

Findings:

• Sawtooth cardiomyopathy is characterized by specific patterns on cardiac MRI and echocardiography.
• Establishing clear diagnostic criteria is crucial for accurate identification.
• The association with transient ischemic attacks suggests potential cardiovascular risks.

Implications:

• Sawtooth cardiomyopathy may be significantly underdiagnosed in clinical practice.
• Increased awareness and standardized diagnostic criteria are needed.
• Further research into the prognostic implications of this condition is warranted.