Left Ventricular Non-compaction and Associated Cardiomyopathy Presenting With Cardiac Failure: A Case Report

Abstract

The characteristic structural anomaly of the heart in the left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is identified with a prominent layer of the trabecular meshwork, thin compacted myocardium, and intertrabecular recesses within the depths of the left ventricle. Despite growing clinical recognition, the prevalence of LVNC in adults and the full clinical spectrum remain poorly explored. The disease shows heterogeneous phenotypes from an asymptomatic presentation to severe cardiac complications like cardiac failure, arrhythmias, and thromboembolic events. Current diagnostic practices for LVNC lack standardized guidelines, making patient management difficult. We here report a case of an adult patient who presented with features of congestive cardiac failure and on detailed imaging with echocardiogram and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was diagnosed to have LVNC. We here also emphasize that there is a great need for refined diagnostic criteria that include genetic, clinical, and imaging data. Cases of LVNC with full-blown phenotypic expression should be used for diagnostic criteria.

Keywords: alcohol use; cardiac manifestations; cardiomyopathy; cocaine abuse; left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (lvnc).

Figure 1. ECG findings showing left ventricular hypertrophy and ST segment depression in inferolateral leads.

ECG: electrocardiogram

Figure 2. Cardiac MRI showing increased left ventricular thickness.

MRI: magnetic resonance imaging

Figure 3. Arrow pointing towards increased left ventricular thickness and trabeculations on cardiac MRI.

MRI: magnetic resonance imaging