Revisiting the prevalence and diversity of localized thinning of the left ventricular apex

Abstract

Background The left ventricular apex commonly has a paper‐thin structure. However, available data about its structure are limited to variable samples, methodologies, and results. Objective To investigate the structural anatomy of the left ventricular apex using living heart datasets with the latest computed tomography scanner. Methods One hundred thirty‐one consecutive patients (median age, 73 years; 58% men) who underwent cardiac computed tomography were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with severe aortic stenosis were analyzed separately. Thickness and diameters of the thinnest part of the left ventricular apex during mid‐diastole were measured using orthogonal multiplanar reconstruction images. The area of thinning was estimated using the formula for the ellipse. Results In 88 patients without severe aortic stenosis, the median thickness of the thinnest area of the left ventricular apex was only 0.9 mm. Among them, 74%, 99%, and 100% of cases displayed a left ventricular apex thinner than 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 mm, respectively. The median area of the thinnest region was 5.6 mm2. In 43 patients with severe aortic stenosis, the median thickness of the thinnest area of the left ventricular apex was 1.2 mm. Among them, 51%, 93%, and 100% of cases displayed a left ventricular apex thinner than 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 mm, respectively. The median area of the thinnest region was 3.9 mm2. Conclusions Localized thinning of the left ventricular apex is unexceptional, regardless of aortic stenosis with concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, thus highlighting the need for a reappreciation of this feature to avoid inadvertent catastrophic complications.

Prevalence of Left Ventricular Myocardial Crypts in Japanese Patients

“…This suggests that apical crypts may have different characteristics from crypts in other areas. Previous studies have reported LV apical thinning as a normal anatomical variation that is distinct from the LV crypt (23,24). However, there may be some overlap, requiring further research to assess the prevalence and location of LV crypts, particularly at the LV apex.…”

Left ventricular apical thinning

“…The median thickness of the thinnest portion of the LVATP and area in those with severe AS were 1.2 and 3.9 mm 2 . Yamamoto et al 32 noted some significant differences when comparing individuals with AS with individuals without AS (but not in terms of thickness of the thinnest region). The thickness of the thinnest part of LVATP and the distribution of its value among individuals are comparable with the values presented in previous studies.…”