Left ventricular noncompaction in Nigerian children: Case series and review of literature

Abstract

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is an uncommon cardiomyopathy characterized by multiple prominent trabeculations in the ventricular wall, deep intratrabecular recesses which communicate directly with the left ventricular cavity, and thin compacted layer of myocardium, caused by in utero arrest of normal myocardial compaction. The clinical presentation and course may be benign or may manifest more aggressively with impaired left ventricular function, arrhythmias, and embolism, resulting in poor outcomes. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and is established primarily by echocardiograph; treatment is symptomatic, determined by the mode of presentation and the presence or absence of complications. This case series describes clinical and echocardiographic features in twelve (12) children with LVNC at a tertiary hospital in Gwagwalada, Nigeria.