Left Ventricular Non-Compaction: Review of the Current Diagnostic Challenges and Consequences in Athletes

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) presents diagnostic challenges due to the absence of a gold standard.
• Clinical uncertainty surrounds LVNC diagnosis accuracy, outcome correlation, and long-term management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current diagnostic imaging criteria for LVNC.
• To discuss the limitations of echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance in diagnosing LVNC.
• To explore the implications of left ventricular hypertrabeculation in athletic individuals.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current imaging modalities for LVNC.
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria and limitations for echocardiography and cardiac MRI.
• Examination of studies on athletic populations with LV hypertrabeculation.

Main Results:

• Current imaging criteria for LVNC diagnosis show variability and limitations.
• Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance have specific drawbacks in LVNC assessment.
• Left ventricular hypertrabeculation in athletes requires careful consideration regarding its clinical significance.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of LVNC remains challenging, necessitating critical evaluation of imaging findings.
• Understanding the limitations of cardiac imaging is crucial for appropriate patient management.
• The clinical significance of LV hypertrabeculation in athletes warrants further investigation.