Advances and challenges in the diagnosis and management of left ventricular noncompaction in adults: A literature review

• Published in: Current problems in cardiology 2024-06, Vol.49 (6), p.102571, Article 102571
• Main Authors: Llerena-Velastegui, Jordan, Velastegui-Zurita, Sebastian, Santander-Fuentes, Carolina, Dominguez-Gavilanes, Daniel, Roa-Guerra, Alejandra, Jesus, Ana Clara Fonseca Souza de, Coelho, Pedro Moraes, Carrasco-Perez, Paul, Calderon-Lopez, Carlos, Benitez-Gutierrez, Daniela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Clinical management; Diagnostic criteria; Disease Management; Humans; Isolated Noncompaction of the Ventricular Myocardium - diagnosis; Isolated Noncompaction of the Ventricular Myocardium - physiopathology; Isolated Noncompaction of the Ventricular Myocardium - therapy; Left Ventricular Noncompaction; Pathophysiology; Prognostic assessments
• ISSN: 0146-2806; 1535-6280; 1535-6280
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102571

•The study identifies the need for universally accepted diagnostic criteria for isolated left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) to differentiate it from similar cardiomyopathies.•It reveals discrepancies in diagnostic methods between echocardiography and CMR imaging, highlighting the need for advanced imaging for better diagnosis and patient care.•The research emphasizes LVNC's complex genetics and pathophysiology, calling for further investigation to understand its causes and management.•It recommends personalized clinical management for LVNC patients based on individual health profiles to improve outcomes.•The study suggests comprehensive prognostic assessments using advanced imaging and genetic testing to accurately predict LVNC outcomes and guide treatment. In the realm of cardiovascular health, isolated left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) stands out for its distinct morphological features and the clinical challenges it presents, particularly in adults. This literature review explores the intricacies of LVNC, aiming to unravel its epidemiological spread, diagnostic hurdles, and therapeutic strategies. Despite technological advancements in cardiac imaging that have improved the recognition of LVNC, a significant gap persists alongside a fragmented understanding of its pathogenesis. The studies scrutinized reveal a broad spectrum of prevalence rates influenced by diverse diagnostic tools and demographic variables. This variation underscores the complexity of accurately identifying LVNC and the resultant implications for clinical management. The review succinctly addresses the need for precise guidelines to navigate the diagnosis of LVNC and outlines the imperative for tailored clinical management approaches that cater to the wide array of patient presentations, from asymptomatic cases to those with severe cardiac dysfunction. By highlighting the critical gaps in current literature—namely the absence of standardized diagnostic criteria and a comprehensive pathogenic model—the review sets the stage for future research directions. These endeavors are essential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy, refining management protocols, and ultimately improving patient outcomes in this complex subset of cardiomyopathy, thus contributing significantly to the advancement of cardiovascular medicine.