Şükriye Yılmaz, Hasan Bulut, Özkan Kaya
Advanced Radiology and Imaging - 2025;2(1):14-19
Objectives: Non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a rare form characterized by the ventricular myocardium comprising an outer layer of normally compacted myocardium and an inner layer of non-compacted myocardium. The diagnosis primarily relies on imaging modalities, including echocardiography (ECHO) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of our study was to evaluate ECHO and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings in a group of children with isolated left ventricular non-compaction. Methods: Between September 2022 and January 2025, pediatric patients under 18 years of age, who exhibited ECHO findings suggestive of left ventricle non-compaction, were retrospectively enrolled. Contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, including late gadolinium enhancement as well as two-chamber, four-chamber, and short-axis views, was performed to assess ventricular size, wall characteristics, and function in patients with suspected myocardial non-compaction based on ECHO findings. Results: A total of 35 patients, with a median age of 14 years, were recruited. In the 12 patients where both ECHO and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) findings were concordant, leading to a definitive diagnosis on ECHO, the median non-compacted-to-compacted (NC/C) myocardial layer ratio in diastole was 2.6, while on cMRI, according to Petersen's criteria, the median NC/C ratio in end-diastole was 1.6. Conclusion: ECHO is a reliable and non-invasive modality for monitoring left ventricular systolic function and wall characteristics. However, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is recommended for a more precise assessment of left ventricular remodeling, right ventricular size and function, and the detection of myocardial fibrosis.
