Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) or spongy left ventricular (LV) myocardium is a disorder of endomyocardial morphogenesis that results in multiple trabeculations in the LV myocardium. Numerous, excessively prominent LV trabeculae and deep intertrabecular recesses together create a spongiform appearance. According to current literature, LVNC in adults is rare, although associated with a poor prognosis. Several studies have reported on highly symptomatic cases with a high incidence of ventricular arrhythmia and progressive heart failure.

Recent evidences suggest an overlap between LVNC and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) We report the case of a 30-year-old man, referred for dyspnoea since a couple of years. He was a smoker, obese, without history of heart disease; he was receiving drug therapy with bisoprolol, enalapril, simvastatin and diuretics. Arterial blood pressure at admission was 100/80 mmHg, and physical examination was unremarkable. Resting ECG showed sinus rhythm (66 bpm) and diffuse negative T waves. Chest radiography showed no sign of pulmonary congestion, with an enlarged cardiac transverse diameter. Cholesterol, troponin and creatinine levels were normal. Echocardiography showed a severe systolic dysfunction (25% LV ejection fraction). Coronary angiography was not able to show any sign of significant coronary atherosclerosis, with no need of coronary angioplasty. At LV angiography, enlarged diameters and severe hypokinesis were detectable; diffuse irregular trabecles were also detectable in LV angiogram, mimicking features typical of spongy LV myocardium. New York Heart Association class was I-II at discharge; 6-month follow up was uneventful and apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

To our knowledge, this is one of the first cases reporting LV angiography images showing the concomitant finding of IDC and LV spongy myocardium in a young man. LVNC is believed to be the result of an arrest in endocardial morphogenesis. Severity ranges from moderately abnormal ventricular trabeculations in association with normal LV function to profoundly abnormal, loosely compacted trabeculations in association with poor LV function. Clinical manifestations of LVNC are symptoms associated with depressed LV systolic function, ventricular arrhythmias, and systemic embolization.

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ISSN: 2155-9880

Current Issue: Volume 11, Issue 9

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