Novel Approach to Risk Stratification in Left Ventricular Non-Compaction Using A Combined Cardiac Imaging and Plasma Biomarker Approach

Background Left ventricular non-compaction remains a poorly described entity, which has led to challenges of overdiagnosis. We aimed to evaluate if the presence of a thin compacted myocardial layer portends poorer outcomes in individuals meeting cardiac magnetic resonance criteria for left ventricular non-compaction . Methods and Results This was an observational, retrospective cohort study involving individuals selected from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation cardiac magnetic resonance database (N=26 531). Between 2000 and 2018, 328 individuals >= 12 years, with left ventricular non-compaction or excessive trabeculations based on the cardiac magnetic resonance Petersen criteria were included. The cohort comprised 42% women, mean age 43 years. We assessed the predictive ability of myocardial thinning for the primary composite end point of major adverse cardiac events (composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, left ventricular assist device implantation/heart transplant, ventricular tachycardia, or ischemic stroke). At mean follow-up of 3.1 years, major adverse cardiac events occurred in 102 (31%) patients. After adjusting for comorbidities, the risk of major adverse cardiac events was nearly doubled in the presence of significant compacted myocardial thinning (hazard ratio [HR], 1.88 [95% CI, 1.18-3.00]; P=0.016), tripled in the presence of elevated plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (HR, 3.29 [95% CI, 1.52-7.11]; P=0.006), and increased by 5% for every 10-unit increase in left ventricular end-systolic volume (HR, 1.01 [95% CI, 1.00-1.01]; P=0.041). Conclusions The risk of adverse clinical events is increased in the presence of significant compacted myocardial thinning, an elevated B-type natriuretic peptide or increased left ventricular dimensions. The combination of these markers may enhance risk assessment to minimize left ventricular non-compaction overdiagnosis whilst facilitating appropriate diagnoses in those with true disease.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate whether the presence of a thin compacted myocardial layer leads to poorer outcomes in patients with left ventricular non-compaction. The results showed that the risk of adverse clinical events is increased in the presence of significant compacted myocardial thinning, an elevated B-type natriuretic peptide, or increased left ventricular dimensions. These markers could enhance risk assessment and help reduce overdiagnosis of left ventricular non-compaction.