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. Copyright 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.