Diagnosis of Double-chambered Left Ventricle of Superior-inferior Type by Echocardiography: A Retrospective Study of 9 Subjects across Two Heart Centers

Double-Chambered Left Ventricle Diagnosed in Fetus and Follow-up During the First Year of Life: A Case Report

Double-chambered left ventricle (DCLV) is a rare congenital cardiac lesion. It is usually an incidental finding in children and young adults. Diagnosis during fetal life is exceedingly rare. We report a case of DCLV diagnosed in the prenatal period associated with a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Transthoracic echocardiographic and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the prenatal findings. At seven-month follow-up, the baby was asymptomatic. Transthoracic echocardiographic check-up revealed spontaneous closure of the VSD and stable aspect of the main left ventricle and the accessory chamber.

An asymptomatic double-chambered left ventricle diagnosed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging: A case report

RATIONALE

The double-chambered left ventricle (DCLV) is a rare congenital heart disease and is separated into 2 chambers by abnormally hypertrophied bundles of muscle or fibrous strips. Differential diagnoses, especially diverticulum, aneurysms and large ventricular septal defect are sometimes difficult.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 33-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital to undergo abortion without any discomfort such as palpitation, chest tightness, shortness of breath and etc. The electrocardiogram reported a suspicious left anterior branch block and extensive anterior wall R-wave incremental dysplasia. The transthoracic echocardiography showed a bilayer structure of the ventricular septum with a continuity interruption visible on the left ventricular surface, and the color doppler flow imaging showed a low velocity bidirectional flow at this continuity interruption, communicated with the left ventricular cavity.

DIAGNOSES

Final diagnosis of DCLV was confirmed by contrast-enhance ultrasound imaging.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was discharged without any special treatment of the heart after the abortion.

OUTCOMES

The patient did not complain of any special discomfort after the 3, 6, and 9 months of outpatient follow-ups.

LESSONS

This case highlights the necessity of contrast-enhance ultrasound imaging, which plays an important role in improving the accuracy of DCLV diagnosis and in differentiating it from other diseases.