Are increased trabeculations in the left ventricle common?

Question

Hello doctor,

My son is nine months old, and we visited a cardiologist a week ago. He does not have any symptoms and is a healthy child. All the dimensions were within range, and the ejection fraction was 70 and 40. What they did find was a slight increase in the trabeculations of the left ventricle. I have read that a slight increase in trabeculations in a healthy adult is not a concerning finding, but I could not find any information regarding children. Is this worrisome, and does it require follow-up?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Trabeculations are normal findings in the left ventricle in both adults and children. When these become excessive, along with an increase in LV thickness, it is considered abnormal. The slightly increased trabeculations, in this case, is entirely a subjective finding, one person may interpret it as increased, while another may consider it normal.

Given the normal ejection fraction of 70 percent and other normal dimensions, this may be a normal finding. However, since some doubt has been raised, it may be a good idea to repeat the echo after a year or two or if any symptoms appear. So, it is likely a normal finding, but it is better to follow up for confirmation.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

So, a negative family history reduces the likelihood of disease. There are certain criteria for diagnosing left ventricular noncompaction, and he does not meet any of those criteria, such as the trabeculated portion being twice the normal LV thickness, etc. Given the limited echo information, it is difficult to estimate the risk at this time, but it is probably less than one percent. I do not think there is anything to worry about at present, but you should continue to monitor it.

Regards.