Non-compaction of the left ventricle is an extremely rare cardiomyopathy resulting from a defective morphogenesis of the endomyocardium. It results in an architecturally aberrant ventricular wall consisting of two layers: a compacted layer and a loose interwoven meshwork with prominent trabeculae and deep intertrabecular recesses that communicate with the left ventricular cavity. This report de...

OBJECTIVES We aimed to test the diagnostic accuracy of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in distinguishing pathological left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) from lesser degrees of trabecular layering seen in healthy volunteers and, in those with cardiomyopathies and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, potential differential diagnoses. We hypothesized that pathological trabe...

To cite: Steger CM. BMJ Case Rep Published online: [please include Day Month Year] doi:10.1136/bcr-2013203430 DESCRIPTION In April 2011, a 13-month-old girl presented with dyspnoea, tachycardia and weight loss. Echocardiographic examination revealed a left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), or spongy myocardium characterised by spongiform appearance of the left ventricle with deep recesses, a d...

BACKGROUND Isolated non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) was first described in 1984. This disorder, a primary genetic cardiomyopathy, is now attracting increased attention. METHOD The current state of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of NCCM are discussed on the basis of a review of selected literature as well as the auth...