Left ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction and neuromuscular disorders in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Objective: Our aim was to assess 1) the association of idiopathic dilative cardiomyopathy (IDC) and left ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction (LVHT), 2) the use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) in IDC and 3) the association of IDC and neuromuscular disorders (NMD).

Methods: Patients in whom coronary heart disease had been excluded by coronary angiography and whose left ventricular end diastolic diameter was > 59 mm and fractional shortening < 25% with no other causes of cardiac dysfunction, were invited to participate.

Results: Among 25 patients, 18 refused CMRI (claustrophobia n = 13, inability to lie flat n = 5), thus 7 patients (2 female, 47-66 years) were included. LVHT was found in 5/7 cases. In 4/5 patients who were neurologically investigated, a NMD was found. In 2/7 cases echocardiography failed to visualise the ventricular apex.

Conclusions: Patients with IDC should be investigated neurologically. In IDC patients with poor echocardiographic quality CMRI should be applied.