Lina Marcela Cadavid Alvarez MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Rodrigo Parra MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Critían Tejos PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Pablo Irarrazaval PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sergio Andres Uribe PhD, MS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

In this study we propose to use cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to measure morphological features in children with isolated Left Ventricular NonCompaction (LVNC) and to verify any potential correlation with ventricular performance. 

Different measures such as NC/C ratio, areas of compacted (CMA) and Noncompacted myocardium (NCMA), distribution of noncompaction, has been proposed to diagnose LVNC. The correlation of these parameters with systolic dysfunction has also been investigated. In an adult population, it has been found that the Ejection Fraction (EF) is significantly decreased as non-compaction severity increases. For children however, these relationships have not been yet investigated. In 15 children (10 males, mean age 9.7 y.o., range 0.6 – 17 y.o.) a CMR was prescribed for evaluating LVNC (example image is shown in Fig.a). None of the patients had any other cardiac alteration. EF and Compacted myocardium mass (CMM) were measured and considered normal when equal or greater than 50% and in the range of 56-106 g/m2 respectively. Different measures such as NC/C ratio, CMA, NCMA, distribution of noncompaction, and qualitative assessment of ventricular wall motion abnormalities were performed to investigate any correlation with ventricular performance.  

Five patients had a decreased EF (< 50%), and eight patients had a decreased CMM (< 56 g/m2). Correlation of the different measurements and ventricular function were moderated (See fig. b), the higher correlation was 0.67 between NCMA and EF. More importantly, six patients had extent of LVNC at the basal ventricular level, had more than eight affected segments with noncompaction and also hypokinesia or dyskinesia (See fig. c). From these patients, five (83%) had an EF < 50% and all of them had some degree of left ventricular systolic-diastolic dysfunction.

Alteration of ventricular performance in children with isolated LVNC is probably explained by the extent and distribution of NonCompaction and regional wall motion abnormality.

Children with isolated LVNC, in whom the noncompaction affects the basal ventricular level have a reduced ventricular performance and therefore may have a poor prognosis.

Cadavid Alvarez, L, Parra, R, Tejos, C, Irarrazaval, P, Uribe, S, CMR Assessment of Ventricular Performance in a Pediatric Population with Isolated Left Ventricular Noncompaction.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9012432.html