What is non-compaction of the heart?

Left ventricular noncompaction is a heart (cardiac) muscle disorder that occurs when the lower left chamber of the heart (left ventricle), which helps the heart pump blood, does not develop correctly. Instead of the muscle being smooth and firm, the cardiac muscle in the left ventricle is thick and appears spongy.

Is non-compaction cardiomyopathy serious?

Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a very rare congenital cardiomyopathy. It is a disease of endomyocardial trabeculations that increase in number and prominence. This cardiomyopathy carries a high risk of malignant arrhythmias, thromboembolic phenomenon and left ventricular dysfunction.

What are apical Trabeculations?

These trabeculations typically occur at the bottom of the heart called the apex but can be seen anywhere in the left ventricle. Individuals with LVNC may also have another type of heart muscle disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy or restrictive cardiomyopathy).

Can LVNC be reversed?

The compacted myocardium in LVNC is approximately 30% thinner than normal. Accordingly, although transient or irreversible dilative evolution can develop during the life of a patient with LVNC, in all probability this congenital anomaly will never disappear.

Is non compaction cardiomyopathy reversible?

Left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is characterized by prominent ventricular trabeculations on cardiovascular imaging. Acquired reversible LVNC has been recently reported in adults but not in children [1].

Can I exercise with LVNC?

Exercise is generally important, however, individuals with LVNC may experience fatigue and shortness of breath with exercise. It’s important for these individuals to limit their activity if they become tired, dizzy or have difficulty breathing.

Are Trabeculations normal?

The presence of increased trabeculation as a normal physiologic response to cardiac loading conditions in a number of non-pathologic settings further complicates clinical decision making.

Are you born with LVNC?

LVNC is a condition that usually develops before birth, when a baby is still an embryo, developing in its mother’s womb. This means that a person is usually born with the condition. However, some people may develop the condition after birth (and then it is called ‘acquired’ LVNC).

What is the difference between apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular noncompaction?

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy vs left ventricular (LV) noncompaction. The apical variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should not be confused with LV noncompaction. The latter exhibits a spongiform appearance-reflecting deep tra-beculations within the endocardium. can provide more accurate estimates of left ventricular mass and LVH.

What are two-dimensional apical four chamber and parasternal short axis images?

Two-dimensional apical four chamber and parasternal short axis images at the level of the ventricles show dilatation of both ventricles, multiple trabeculae and intertrabecular recesses in inferior, lateral, anterior walls, middle and apical portions of the septum and apex of the left ventricle. [1]

What is the definition of non-compaction ratio?

They described a ratio of the distance from the trough and peak, of the trabeculations, to the epicardial surface. Non-compaction is diagnosed when the trabeculations are more than twice the thickness of the underlying ventricular wall.

What is the difference between compacted and noncompacted myocardial layer?

In LVNC, there is an inner endocardial noncompacted myocardial layer, from which trabeculations protrude into the LV cavity. The outer epicardial myocardial compacted layer is generally thinner than the noncompacted layer.