Left ventricular noncompaction apropos of a case

Left ventricular noncompaction, also known as "spongiform" cardiomyopathy, is a rare congenital anomaly of myocardial morphology, with deep intertrabecular recesses freely communicated with the ventricular cavity. The case of a 61 year old man, who was admitted to the Cardiology Service for syncope study, is presented. During his admission he underwent an echocardiogram and an isolated left ventricular noncompaction was diagnosed. It was decided to implant an automatic cardioverter-defibrillator in order to prevent potentially fatal malignant ventricular arrhythmias that might trigger his syncopes, after which the patient has progressed favorably.