Isolated non-compaction of ventricular myocardium: a report of three cases

Isolated non-compaction of ventricular myocardium (INVM) is a rare disorder of myocardial morphogenesis in the absence of other cardiac anomalies. Both sporadic and sex-linked recessive forms have been described. It can be identified with two-dimensional echocardiography. We report a series of 3 cases of adult males with INVM in June 2000. Clinical manifestations were congestive cardiac failure with severely depressed left ventricle systolic function and stroke. One patient had biventricular INVM. Early diagnosis of INVM is important as it is associated with a high incidence of cardiac failure, ventricular arrhythmia and remobilisation. Anticoagulation and screening of first-degree relatives is advisable.