Systemic lupus erythematosus and transient left ventricular noncompaction

Objectives. Myocarditis is a rare but serious manifestation of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a disorder of myocardial morphogenesis frequently associated to neuromuscular diseases. Hypertrabeculation, a cardinal echocardiographic feature of LVNC, might represent a morphological expression of a number of morbidities, nevertheless. The relationship of LVNC with connective tissue disorders such as SLE is unknown. We aim to present a case of a patient with SLE who recently showed features compatible with an atypical LVNC. Methods. To report a case of a young female with a 10-year history of SLE who developed haematological disease activity and cardiac failure. Results. Ecocardiography showed hypertrabeculation/noncompaction, a very low ejection fraction and pulmonary hypertension. Clinical and echocardiographic features reverted with standard treatment for SLE activity and cardiac insufficiency. Conclusion. The transitory aspect of the cardiomyopathy made unlikely a “true” LVNC for this patient, but she might have presented a lupus myocarditis with “LVNC-like” features. The occurrence of hypertrabeculated myocardium in patients with SLE warrants further studies.