Left ventricular false tendons

Abstract

Left ventricular false tendons (LVFTs) are fibromuscular structures, connecting the left ventricular free wall or papillary muscle and the ventricular septum.There is some discussion about safety issues during intense exercise in athletes with LVFTs, as these bands have been associated with ventricular arrhythmias and abnormal cardiac remodelling. However, presence of LVFTs appears to be much more common than previously noted as imaging techniques have improved and the association between LVFTs and abnormal remodelling could very well be explained by better visibility in a dilated left ventricular lumen.Although LVFTs may result in electrocardiographic abnormalities and could form a substrate for ventricular arrhythmias, it should be considered as a normal anatomic variant. Persons with LVFTs do not appear to have increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death.

Biventricular false tendons

“…The mild dilatation of the left ventricle was a finding consistent with the presence of multiple FTs, as reported in the literature. 3 , 5 The left ventricular hypertrophy was of low intensity and was consistent with the man's physical activity as a bricklayer. The weight of the heart deserves special attention.…”

“…However, to date, no robust population-based evidence of an association between FTs and increased cardiac morbidity and mortality. 3 This gives rise to an apparent paradox that poses considerable interpretive difficulties in situations like our case, where there were no other pathological findings and plausible causes to explain the death. This criticality can be overcome by considering that very few studies on this subject do not allow uncritical generalization.…”

“…They can be simple, with 1-2 insertion points, or branched with 3 or more insertion points. 3 The exact prevalence of FTs in the general population varies widely, ranging from 0.4% to 83%. 3 FTs appear to be higher in the pediatric age group.…”

“… 3 The exact prevalence of FTs in the general population varies widely, ranging from 0.4% to 83%. 3 FTs appear to be higher in the pediatric age group. 4 FTs are generally considered benign anatomic variants; however, they may be associated with varied entities, including precordial murmurs, repolarization abnormalities, preexcitation, mitral regurgitation, ventricular arrhythmias, and abnormal cardiac remodeling with systolic and diastolic dysfunction and dilatation of the left ventricle.…”