Left ventricular noncompaction: imaging findings and diagnostic criteria

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this article are to review the imaging findings of left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) at echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and MDCT; to discuss diagnostic criteria for and the advantages and limitations of these imaging techniques; and to describe pitfalls that can lead to misinterpretation of findings of LVNC.

Conclusion: LVNC is a cardiac disease of emerging importance, and imaging has a key role in its diagnosis. Accordingly, radiologists should be familiar with LVNC imaging findings to realize an accurate diagnosis.

Keywords: cardiac MRI; cardiomyopathy; heart failure; myocardial trabeculations; sudden death.