Isolated left ventricular abnormal trabeculation is a cardiac manifestation of neuromuscular disorders

Objectives: Isolated left ventricular abnormal trabeculation (ILVAT) is def ined as >3 coarse trabeculations of the left ventricular wall, apically to the papillary muscles, in hearts without congenital malformations. The aims of the study were to assess by echocardiography the prevalence of ILVAT, l ook for ca rd iac findings in ILVAT a nd fi nd out if ILVAT is associated w ith neuromuscular disorders. Design and Results: In the course of 3 years, ILVAT was found in 15/17, 648 patients (0.08%). Twelve patients had heart f ailure, all had ECG abnormalities. All patients had neuromuscular disorders . A definite diagnosis could be established in 10 patients (metabolic myopa thy, n = 9; Becker's muscular dystrophy, n = 1). The remaining 5 patients r efused further neurological investigations. Conclusions: ILVAT is a rare di sorder associated with ECG abnormalities, heart failure and neuromuscular d isorders, which is a reason why both cardiologists and neurologists should be involved. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG,Basel.