Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
10:33
Assessment of Right Ventricular Structure and Function in Mouse Model of Pulmonary Artery Constriction by Transthoracic Echocardiography
Published on: February 3, 2014
Left ventricular excessive trabeculation: pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and prognostic significance
Matteo Beltrami1,2, Viviana Maestrini3, Anna Baritussio4
1Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, 50134, Italy. beltrami.matteo1@gmail.com.
Heart Failure Reviews
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Excessive trabeculation of the left ventricle (LVET) is a complex trait, not always a primary cardiomyopathy. Its clinical significance varies, often lacking independent prognostic value in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) was traditionally seen as a primary cardiomyopathy due to failed embryonic myocardial compaction.
- Emerging evidence indicates excessive trabeculation of the left ventricle (LVET) is a heterogeneous phenotype with diverse causes.
- LVET can arise from genetic factors, developmental processes, hemodynamic changes, or as a secondary remodeling response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of excessive trabeculation of the left ventricle (LVET).
- To explore its prevalence, imaging, genetic basis, and clinical implications.
- To discuss its role as a remodeling response versus a phenotypic modifier.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current evidence on LVET.
- Analysis of genetic studies and imaging characterization.
- Synthesis of findings on physiological and pathological contexts.
Main Results:
- Excessive trabeculation (LVET) has heterogeneous etiologies, not solely primary cardiomyopathy.
- LVET often lacks independent prognostic relevance in asymptomatic individuals.
- The link between LVET and arrhythmia risk is controversial, depending on the underlying cardiac condition.
Conclusions:
- Excessive trabeculation of the left ventricle (LVET) is a complex phenotype with varied origins.
- Its clinical significance and management require careful consideration of underlying causes.
- Genetic insights are crucial for understanding this myocardial phenotype.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
01:20Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
01:23Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a valvular heart disorder in which the mitral valve fails to close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart. Understanding the clinical manifestations, assessment, diagnostic findings, and medical management of MR is crucial to effectively managing affected patients.Clinical Manifestations of Mitral RegurgitationMitral regurgitation can be acute or chronic, each presenting differently and requiring different approaches:1. Acute Mitral...
01:27Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...