Detection of left ventricular false tendons by two-dimensional echocardiography.

In a prospective series of 300 consecutive patients referred for a two-dimensional echocardiogram, the presence of left ventricular false tendons was searched. The diagnosis of a false tendon was made when a clear linear echo was continuously observed within the left ventricular cavity from the septum to the free wall or to a papillary muscle. Using this criterion, a false tendon was detected in 9 of the 300 patients (incidence of 3%), frequently from an apical position. The precise sites of attachment of the false tendons were observed by slight rotation and/or angulation of the transducer from the classic views: the septum and the lateral papillary muscle were the most frequent sites of attachment. Associated congenital heart disease was present in only 1 patient. Most patients had moderate symptoms and a soft musical systolic murmur. Three patients had premature ventricular contractions disappearing with exercise. The possible relations of LV false tendons with a musical murmur, arrhythmia or abnormal LV geometry are discussed.

Nonossifying fibroma. Four cases and review of the literature.

Nonossifying fibroma is a benign, lytic lesion that occurs in young children and adolescents. Radiographically, the lesion is multilocular and sharply demarcated. It often occurs at the metaphyseal region of long bones of the lower extremity and is usually eccentrically located. Four cases of nonossifying fibroma occurring during the past 7 years are presented with a review of the literature.