RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Noncompaction of the left ventricular myocardium is recently described as a cause of left ventricular dysfunction. In the article, we describe epidemiological and clinical aspects of this condition, which presents clinically at any age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article is based on a review of articles from our own literature archive and relevant references in these articles. RESULTS: Ventricular noncompaction results from an arrest in the normal endomyocardial embryogenesis, and often leads to heart failure, thrombo-embolic events and/or ventricular arrhythmias. The disorder is diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography or magnetic resonance imaging of the heart. The changes are typically seen in the apex and distal and middle segments of the inferior and lateral walls of the left ventricle. The affected segments of the myocardium have a two-layered structure: a compacted thin epicardial layer and an endocardial layer consisting of a prominent trabecular meshwork with deep intertrabecular spaces. The condition can be isolated with or without extracardiac disorders, or can be associated with other cardiac malformations. INTERPRETATION: It is essential not to miss the findings of noncompaction, as the condition may lead to serious heart failure, thrombo-embolic events, ventricular tachyarrythmias or death. Early recognition of noncompaction may give better follow-up and management of patients with this condition.