Improvement in systolic function in left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy: A case report

Abstract

This is a case of a 48-year-old man who presented with a pulmonary embolism and was found to have left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy. Initial echocardiograms demonstrated prominent apical trabeculations with reduced biventricular function. These findings were further confirmed and characterized by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. He met all major criteria used to identify left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy. He underwent medical management for heart failure and during follow-up was noted to have significant improvement in left ventricular systolic function and symptoms. While most management attention is focused on rhythm disturbances or embolic risk, particular attention should also be exercised to ensure that heart failure medical therapy is optimized. While many with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy have irreversible dysfunction, this case highlights that there may be some who will respond well to aggressive medical therapy. The diagnosis and medical management of left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy are reviewed in light of our patient and his clinical course.<Learning objective: Historically, left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Discussion often focuses on sudden cardiac death and prevention of embolisms. Many of the initial reports and case series were written in an era when standard medical therapy for congestive heart failure was not yet defined. While many do not respond as this case did, this case emphasizes that optimal medical therapy can make a substantial difference, even for LVNC.>