Left Ventricular Hypertrabeculation/Noncompaction and Stroke or Embolism

Left ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction (LVHT) is reported to be associated with embolism. This retrospective study assessed the number of strokes/embolisms in 62 patients with LVHT and in 62 control patients matched with regard to age, sex and left ventricular systolic function. The incidence of strokes or embolism was 10% in patients with LVHT and 15% in controls. LVHT by itself does not seem to be a risk factor for stroke or embolism and thus is not an indication for oral anticoagulation. However, if LVHT is associated with systolic dysfunction, oral anticoagulation should be considered.