Cardiac Storm, Sepsis from Inoperable Osteitis, and Thromboembolic Complications in a Patient with Suspected Non compaction Cardiomyopathy: A Clinical Deadlock
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background: Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by prominent myocardial trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses. It is often complicated by ventricular arrhythmias, thromboembolic events, and progressive heart failure. Electrical storm and systemic infections significantly worsen the prognosis in these patients. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 40-year-old man with a history of dilated hypokinetic cardiomyopathy, chronic osteitis, and substance abuse, who presented with sustained ventricular tachycardia and cardiogenic shock. Echocardiography revealed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF 20%), apical thrombus, and features consistent with LVNC. Despite intensive antiarrhythmic therapy and multiple cardioversions, the arrhythmia proved refractory. The patient developed worsening sepsis from a chronic knee infection, followed by multiorgan failure, splenic infarction, and embolic stroke, ultimately culminating in death. Conclusion: This case illustrates the catastrophic interplay between LVNC, electrical storm, and systemic infection. It underscores the importance of early recognition, aggressive rhythm and infection control, and the limitations of current therapeutic strategies in advanced cardiomyopathy complicated by systemic inflammation.
Author: Samia Ejjebli
Institution: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ibn Rochd
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412419836