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Published on: May 28, 2010
Left ventricular bands (false tendons): echocardiographic and angiocardiographic delineation in children
Insights
Left ventricular bands were found in 14.2% of children with heart conditions. Echocardiography is effective in identifying these bands, which can alter left ventricular cavity shape.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Cardiac Anatomy
Background:
- Left ventricular bands are uncommon cardiac anomalies.
- Their identification is crucial for understanding pediatric cardiac disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively identify left ventricular bands in children.
- To evaluate the efficacy of echocardiography in detecting these bands.
- To describe the anatomical course and echocardiographic features of left ventricular bands.
Main Methods:
- Prospective echocardiographic study of 218 children with suspected or known cardiac disease.
- Detailed analysis of band location, course, and associated left ventricular morphology.
- Correlation with diagnostic left ventricular angiography in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- Left ventricular bands were identified in 14.2% (31/218) of children.
- Bands typically originated from the interventricular septum and extended to the left ventricular free wall.
- An "hourglass" left ventricular cavity configuration was observed in 7 patients.
- Echocardiography successfully delineated bands, confirmed by angiography in most cases.
Conclusions:
- Two-dimensional echocardiography is a reliable method for detecting left ventricular bands in children.
- These bands can influence left ventricular cavity morphology.
- Further investigation into the clinical significance of these findings is warranted.
Abstract:
Left ventricular bands were prospectively identified in 31 of 218 (14.2%) children undergoing an initial two-dimensional echocardiogram for suspected or known cardiac disease. Left ventricular bands usually coursed from the midportion of the interventricular septum to the free wall of the left ventricle. Most of the bands were detected in the apical four-chamber view. In 7 of 31, an hourglass configuration of the left ventricular cavity was noted. Diagnostic left ventricular angiography was performed in 9 of 31 patients, and in seven of nine the band was delineated. The echocardiographic and angiographic findings in children with left ventricular bands are discussed and the literature is reviewed.
