title: Left ventricular noncompaction and myocardial fibrosis: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare congenital abnormality. It is currently classified as a genetic cardiomyopathy and results from early arrest of endomyocardial morphogenesis. The pathophysiology of left ventricular dysfunction, which becomes apparent beyond the 4th decade of life, is unclear.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case of 60-year-old woman who presented with shortness of breath and showed noncompacted endocardium on echocardiography. Cardiac catheterization and viral studies were unremarkable. Histology revealed endomyocardial fibrosis without disarray. She was subsequently diagnosed with LVNC and treated with medications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cardiologists and other physicians should be aware of LVNC due to its high likelihood of misdiagnosis and associated high complication rates. Early diagnosis, intervention and screening among family members can decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with LVNC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine: Division of Cardiology, Michigan State University/Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies/Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, MI, USA. vishalgupta@borgess.com.
authors.forename: Jagadeesh K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Kalavakunta
authors.forename: Hemasri
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tokala
authors.forename: Aparna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gosavi
authors.forename: Vishal
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gupta