title: Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy and left ventricular assist device: a word of caution.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In patients with left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may be performed as a bridge to transplantation. In this respect, the particular characteristics of the left ventricular myocardium may represent a challenge.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a patient with LVNC who required urgent heart transplantation for inflow cannula obstruction nine months after receiving a LVAD. LVAD parameters, echocardiography and examination of the explanted heart suggested changes of left ventricular configuration brought about by LVAD support as the most likely cause of inflow cannula obstruction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that changes experienced by non-compacted myocardium during LVAD support may give rise to inflow cannula obstruction and flow reduction. Presence of LVNC mandates tight surveillance for changes in LV configuration and LVAD flow characteristics and may justify urgent transplantation listing status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Angela.Kornberger@kgu.de.
authors.forename: A
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8420-171X
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kornberger
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
authors.forename: U A
authors.initials: UA
authors.lastname: Stock
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Risteski
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Beiras Fernandez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D004452:Echocardiography; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009206:Myocardium
keywords: Heart transplantation; Inflow obstruction; Left ventricular assist device; Left ventricular non-compaction