Splenic rupture and haemoperitoneum in a patient with non-compaction of the left ventricular myocardium

The anaesthetic and critical care management of blunt abdominal trauma in a patient previously diagnosed with non-compaction of the left ventricular myocardium (a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease) is reported. The management was influenced by the presence of an implanted automated internal defibrillator and treatment with anticoagulants because of the high frequency of severe arrhythmias and systemic embolism. The pathophysiology of ventricular non-compaction is reviewed briefly.