87 LEFT VENTRICULAR FALSE TENDONS (BANDS): ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC AND ANGIOCARDIOGRAPHIC DELINEATION

Abstract

Left ventricular false tendons have been demonstrated by two-dimensional echocardiography in adults (5%) and children (61%). After identifying 3 children with left ventricular false tendons and mitral stenosis, a prospective study was designed. Over a 4 month period, 62 children underwent complete two-dimensional echocardiographic exam for either suspected heart disease or pericardial effusion. Ages ranged between 1 day and 18 years. In 7 children, a single left ventricular false tendon was identified in the apical 4 chamber view. The diagnoses included congenital heart disease (5), cardiomyopathy (1) and functional murmur (1). The left ventricular false tendon usually extended from the left ventricular apical free-wall to the mid portion of the interventricular septum. Left ventricular angiography was performed in 6 children (including the 3 prior to the prospective study). In 5 of 6, a fine radiolucent line was seen towards the apex of the left ventricle after careful review, confirming the echocardiographic finding. No left ventricular outflow tract obstruction was detected by pressure recordings in these 6 patients.Left ventricular false tendons were identified in 11% of children by two-dimensional echocardiography and were successfully detected during left ventricular angiography. Left ventricular false tendons appear to have a benign course and should not be mistaken for structures that can produce left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.