Clinical Risk Prediction in Patients With Left Ventricular Myocardial Noncompaction.

Abstract Background Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a heterogeneous entity with uncertain prognosis. Objectives This study sought to develop and validate a prediction model of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and to identify LVNC cases without events during long-term follow-up. Methods This is a retrospective longitudinal multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients fulfilling LVNC criteria by echocardiography or cardiovascular magnetic resonance. MACE were defined as heart failure (HF), ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), systemic embolisms, or all-cause mortality. Results A total of 585 patients were included (45 ± 20 years of age, 57% male). LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 48% ± 17%, and 18% presented late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). After a median follow-up of 5.1 years, MACE occurred in 223 (38%) patients: HF in 110 (19%), VAs in 87 (15%), systemic embolisms in 18 (3%), and 34 (6%) died. LVEF was the main variable independently associated with MACE (P  35% (P  Conclusions LVNC is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias. LVEF is the variable most strongly associated with MACE; however, LGE confers additional risk in patients without severe systolic dysfunction. A risk prediction model is developed and validated to guide management.