Dandy walker malformation and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Unusual fatal association

Dandy Walker malformation [DWM] is a rare congenital brain anomaly characterized by cystic dilation of the fourth ventricle and hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis. Other extracranial anomalies can be associated, including cardiac defects. We report a rare patient with DWM associated with progressive heart failure secondary to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He was diagnosed at 2 months of age and died 5 months later. We conclude that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be associated with DWM with poor prognosis. A careful cardiac evaluation is needed in all infants with DWM for early recognition of such potentially serious associated cardiac malformations

[Hanging by a thread] left ventricular thrombus in an asymptomatic soldier

A mobile and pedunculated left ventricular mass was incidentally detected on transthoracic echocardiography in a 32-year old asymptomatic soldier. Because of the mobility of the mass and the uncertainty of its nature, the risk of embolization was considered to be high, and hence surgical removal was recommended but the patient opted for anticoagulation therapy. The mass resolved within 6 weeks without any embolic or bleeding complications. No recurrence of the thrombus was observed during a 12-month follow up period