Abstract
Left ventricular false tendons (LVFTs) are fibromuscular structures, connecting the left ventricular free wall or papillary muscle and the ventricular septum.There is some discussion about safety issues during intense exercise in athletes with LVFTs, as these bands have been associated with ventricular arrhythmias and abnormal cardiac remodelling. However, presence of LVFTs appears to be much more common than previously noted as imaging techniques have improved and the association between LVFTs and abnormal remodelling could very well be explained by better visibility in a dilated left ventricular lumen.Although LVFTs may result in electrocardiographic abnormalities and could form a substrate for ventricular arrhythmias, it should be considered as a normal anatomic variant. Persons with LVFTs do not appear to have increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death.
Highlights
Left ventricular false tendons (LVFTs) are echogenic fibromuscular structures, connecting the left ventricular free wall or papillary muscle and the ventricular septum
Since there is some discussion about safety issues during intense exercise in elite athletes with false tendons, we reviewed the literature and performed a systematic search of peerreviewed studies that examined the clinical significance of left ventricular false tendons
This study suggests that LVFTs may be associated with adverse structural and functional left ventricular changes, the mechanism by which LVFTs may cause reduced systolic and diastolic function and increased dilatation is unclear
Summary
Left ventricular false tendons (LVFTs) are echogenic fibromuscular structures, connecting the left ventricular free wall or papillary muscle and the ventricular septum As they are not related to the mitral valve apparatus, the term “false” tendon is in use. Patients with LVFTs had more prevalent heart failure, more left ventricular dilatation, were more likely to have moderate to severe mitral regurgitation and had more severe systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Thakur et al describe a case series of 15 patients referred for catheter ablation of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) [8] This type of tachycardia is characterised by QRS complexes with a right bundle branch block morphology and left axis deviation and can be seen in patients without structural heart disease. Presence of LVFTs was not associated with the risk of mortality [3]
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