Abstract
Isolated left ventricular apical hypoplasia (ILVAH) is an uncommon and likely congenital cardiac abnormality that has been described as relatively new. ILVAH is characterized by a truncated, globular-shaped left ventricle (LV) with bulging of the interventricular septum toward the right ventricle (RV), wrapping of an elongated and lengthened RV around the absent LV apex, thinning and fat replacement of apical myocardium of the LV, and abnormalities in the papillary muscle arrangement of the LV. In this report, we present the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings of a 22-year-old female patient with non-specific cardiac complaints that were compatible with ILVAH. Recognition of this rare cardiomyopathy is important for clinicians and radiologists in order to follow up on patients with ILVAH, as it may lead to severe complications, and to distinguish it from other cardiomyopathies. LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Isolated left ventricular apical hypoplasia (ILVAH) is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy that has some serious complications, such as left-sided heart failure, severe pulmonary hypertension, and fatal arrhythmias. By recognizing and identifying the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings of ILVAH, clinicians and radiologists can take appropriate measures to manage and treat patients with this condition, potentially improving outcomes and reducing the risk of complications.