[Comparative evaluation of left ventricular function by two-dimensional echocardiography and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in noncompaction cardiomyopathy. Results from the MAGYAR-Path Study].

INTRODUCTION

Noncompaction cardiomyopathy develops due to the absence of myocardial compaction, and is associated with left ventricular dysfunction.

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate comparatively left ventricular dysfunction in patients with noncompaction cardiomyopathy using two-dimensional echocardiography and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

METHOD

The present study comprised of 7 patients with noncompaction cardiomyopathy (62.9±8.5 years, 3 males) and 10 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (60.7±7.7 years, 2 males). All patients were examined by two-dimensional echocardiography and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography for the evaluation of left ventricular function.

RESULTS

Increased left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction were detected in patients with noncompaction cardiomyopathy as compared to those measured in controls. All three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived strain parameters of patients with noncompaction cardiomyopathy were found to be reduced as compared to the values of controls. Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived rotational parameters showed movements of the apical and basal segments in the same direction suggesting 'rigid body rotation' in all noncompaction cardiomyopathy cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Left ventricular function and contractility are severely reduced in patients with noncompaction cardiomyopathy. Absence of left ventricular twist could be demonstrated in a series of noncompaction cardiomyopathy patients.