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

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.