Introduction: Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is defined with excessive trabeculations of the left ventricle and is known to be genetically determined. Several studies suggest that LVNC is associated with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), especially Ebstein anomaly and infrequently with left ventricular outflow obstruction (bicuspid aortic valve), coarctation of the aorta and tetralogy of Fallot. (1) There are only a few cases in a world of adults with tetralogy of Fallot and combined LVNC described, and the prognosis of this condition is still unclear. (2,3)
Case report: 63-years-old patient was admitted to the hospital because of the first clinical manifestation of a heart failure. In his previous medical history, it was known that a patient had tetralogy of Fallot diagnosed in a childhood and he underwent cardiac surgery with total congenital heart disease repair when he was 29 years old. Echocardiography (TTE and TEE) demonstrated dilated left ventricle with asymmetric hypertrophy of the apical wall (25mm) and left ventricular hypertrabeculation (Figure 1) with ratio between non-compacted and compacted layer approximately >2, with globally reduced contractility and reduced ejection fraction (LVEF 25%). Coronary angiography and right heart catheterization were preformed, and coronary artery disease was excluded, max systolic pulmonary artery pressure 38mmHg. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed hypertrabeculation of both left and right ventricle in segments 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 with ratio between non-compacted and compacted layer approximately >2,3, globally reduced contractility with fibrosis of basal anteroseptal wall, reduced left and right ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF 25%, RVEF 35%, late gadolinium enhancement demonstrated pathological contrast imbibition of a “mid wall” type in segment 2 (non-ischemic etiology) (Figure 2 andFigure 3). Patient was initially treated with diuretics and optimal heart failure therapy and 3 months later, with satisfied criteria for implantation, cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator was implanted. Patient is referred to a heart team for cardiac transplantation evaluation.
Conclusion: In patients with ACHD, tetralogy of Fallot, LVNC can be combined and can present a higher risk for heart failure onset, severe LVEF reduction, thromboembolic events, and malignant arrhythmia episodes.