Abstract

ECHEVERRY, Eduardo J  and  ZARATE, Mauricio. Non-compact or «spongy» ventricle. Rev. Col. Cardiol. [online]. 2008, vol.15, n.2, pp.84-89. ISSN 0120-5633.

Non-compact or «spongy» ventricle is a multi-factorial entity due to an alteration in normal embryogenesis of endocardium and myocardium. It is classified depending on its presentation, whether it is isolated or associated to other cardiomyopathies. Its clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic patients to those that present with heart failure, arrhythmia or systemic thromboembolic phenomena. The diagnostic gold standard is the color Doppler echocardiogram. Treatment is focused on the control of symptoms according to the clinical presentation, but cardiac transplant becomes the only life-saving measure. Prognosis is ominous; more than half patients die or have terminal heart failure in a ten years follow-up period.

Keywords : spongy ventricle; myocardial embryogenesis; heart failure; cardiac transplant.

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