MR imaging features of ventricular noncompaction: Emphasis on distribution and pattern of fibrosis

• Published in: European journal of radiology Vol. 74; no. 1; pp. 147 - 151
• Main Authors: Dursun, Memduh, Agayev, Ayaz, Nisli, Kemal, Ertugrul, Turkan, Onur, Imran, Oflaz, Huseyin, Yekeler, Ensar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.04.2010
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cardiac magnetic resonance; Child; Child, Preschool; Contrast Media; Female; Fibrosis; Humans; Infant; Isolated Noncompaction of the Ventricular Myocardium - diagnosis; Isolated Noncompaction of the Ventricular Myocardium - diagnostic imaging; Left ventricular noncompaction; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Radiography; Radiology; Retrospective Studies; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left - diagnostic imaging; Left ventricular noncompaction; Cardiac magnetic resonance; Fibrosis
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2009.01.015
• ISSN: 0720-048X

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to describe morphologic features and delayed contrast-enhancement pattern of the noncompaction of the left ventricle in cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Methods We retrospectively reviewed morphological cardiac MR imaging findings of ventricular noncompaction in 15 patients (eight men, seven women, and ages 6 months to 73 years old, mean 22 year). In 10 patients delayed contrast enhanced images were obtained after the morphological examination. Results In all patients, noncompaction was seen in the apical and midventricular-lateral segment. Basal-septal segment involvement was not determined in any patients. Noncompacted/compacted ratio was 2–4.5 (mean 3). In nine patients, right ventricular involvement was observed in addition to left ventricular noncompaction. Delayed contrast-enhancement was seen in eight out of 10 patients not only involved segments but also normal segments of the heart. Conclusion Cardiac MR imaging is a valuable imaging method in patients with suspected ventricular noncompaction by showing increased trabeculations, deep intertrabecular recesses and fibrosis. Fibrosis is a common finding in ventricular noncompaction.