Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
Published on: February 17, 2018
Beyond convention: non-compacted myocardium, ventricular tachycardia, and systolic dysfunction in dextrocardia
Natalia Nazarenko1, Maisha Maliha2, Luis Cerna3
1Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center/AECOM, Bronx, New York.
Insights
Noncompaction of the left ventricle (LVNC) is a rare heart condition. This study highlights LVNC in patients with dextrocardia, emphasizing associated risks and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Embryology
Background:
- Noncompaction of the left ventricle (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy associated with increased risks of sudden cardiac death and stroke.
- Prevalence of LVNC is higher in patients with dextrocardia (7.5%) compared to the general population (0.014%–1.3%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To present two cases of noncompaction of the left ventricle in patients with dextrocardia.
- To discuss the diagnostic challenges, management, and potential outcomes of this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- Case report analysis of two male patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of heart failure.
- Diagnostic workup included imaging (echocardiography, CT), electrocardiography, and Holter monitoring.
- Treatment strategies involved medical therapy, coronary stenting, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement consideration.
Main Results:
- Both patients had confirmed LVNC with dextrocardia, presenting with dyspnea and reduced ejection fraction.
- One patient experienced sustained ventricular tachycardia and received an ICD, remaining event-free post-discharge.
- The second patient, treated medically, remained event-free during the first year of follow-up.
Conclusions:
- LVNC in the context of dextrocardia presents unique diagnostic and management considerations.
- Further research is warranted to understand the genetic underpinnings and long-term prognosis of LVNC in dextrocardia patients.
- Close monitoring and tailored interventions are crucial for managing these complex cardiac conditions.
Background:
Noncompaction of the left ventricle (LVNC) is linked to a higher risk of sudden cardiac death and stroke. Its prevalence ranges from 0.014% to 1.3% in the general population, rising to 7.5% in patients with dextrocardia.
Case Summary:
A male in his late 70s presented with worsening dyspnea and leg swelling, with dextrocardia and frequent extrasystoles. Imaging revealed right-sided pleural effusion, severely reduced ejection fraction, and ventricular and atrial dilatation. He developed sustained monomorphic VT, was treated with amiodarone, had successful coronary stenting, and received an ICD with no further hospital readmissions or ICD events. A second case involved a male in his late 50s who presented with dyspnea. He had dextrocardia with situs inversus, subsegmental pulmonary embolism, and LVNC. He was treated with enoxaparin, medical therapy, and Holter monitoring, which showed mild arrhythmias. He declined ICD placement but remained event-free during the first year of follow-up.
Discussion:
LVNC is a rare condition resulting from abnormal myocardial development during embryogenesis, leading to a two-layered myocardial structure. Diagnosis is based on imaging criteria. LVNC is linked to arrhythmias, heart failure, and conduction abnormalities, requiring interventions such as ICD placement, arrhythmia monitoring, and genetic testing. Further research is needed on genetic associations and long-term outcomes in dextrocardia patients.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
01:29Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
01:25Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
01:29Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy