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Published on: October 28, 2020
[Left ventricular non-compaction : diagnosis and management]
F Damas1, A Ancion2, J Tridetti1
1Service de Cardiologie, CHU Liège, Belgique.
Insights
Isolated left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a congenital heart disorder. This review clarifies diagnostic criteria to improve management of LVNC and its associated risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Isolated left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy.
- Characterized by prominent myocardial trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses.
- Current diagnostic criteria lack strong evidence-based support, complicating diagnosis, especially in atypical forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize understanding and management of LVNC.
- To review and emphasize established diagnostic criteria for LVNC.
- To guide clinicians in diagnosing and managing patients with this condition.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on LVNC diagnosis and management.
- Analysis of echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance findings.
- Discussion of clinical manifestations, genetic factors, and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- LVNC diagnosis relies on imaging but lacks definitive evidence-based criteria.
- Affected individuals face risks of heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardio-embolism.
- Familial LVNC necessitates genetic counseling.
Conclusions:
- Standardizing diagnostic criteria is crucial for effective LVNC management.
- Early and accurate diagnosis improves patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to establish robust diagnostic guidelines.
Abstract:
Isolated left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a congenital disorder characterized by prominent myocardial trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses. Although LVNC is diagnosed by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance, there is no evidence-based imaging diagnostic criteria. Affected individuals are at risk of left ventricular failure, life-threatening arrhythmias and cardio-embolism. The diagnosis may be difficult in the atypical forms. The management remains controversial and depends on the clinical manifestations. Familial forms exist, ordering for genetic counseling. The aim of this article is to optimize the knowledge and the management of LVNC by reminding the diagnostic criteria used.
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