Ventricular False Tendons in Human Hearts, An Autopsy Study of the Incidence, Morphology, Histology and Distribution in Basrah City
Nawal  Mustafa Abdullah1*, Mazin Abed Hazza2 and Abdul Kareem Qasim Mohamed3

1Department of Human Anatomy, Basrah Medical College, University of Basrah , Iraq

2Department medicine /cardiology, Basrah Medical College, University of Basrah, Iraq

3Department Pathology and Forensic medicine / Basrah  Medical College, University of Basrah, Iraq

Corresponding Author E-mail: nawal.abdullah@uobasrah.edu.iq

Abstract: The left ventricular false tendons (LVFTs ) are fibrous or fibromuscular bands crossing the left ventricle in human hearts ,they arise  mainly from the ventricular septum to the free wall or to a papillary muscle .They are  considered as normal anatomical variant with    different  numbers, location and type. LVFTs  had been associated with many clinical  studies and discussions  regarding  their function . Literatures were reviewed and their  incidence ,morphology , histology and clinical correlation  were discussed .This study was intended to evaluate the existence   LVFTs   in  Basrah city  , and to compare the findings with other  data verified in literatures. A prospective autopsy  study of  the prevalence  and  morphology   of LVFTs in 215 cadaveric human hearts was performed  to estimate  the number ,types and location .of these bands .10 out of 215 samples were undergo routine histopathological processing to obtain 4 micrometer thickness slides stained  with hematoxylin and eosin and  examined for histological characteristics  . LVFTs of varying number, types  and different attachment  were recorded  in 62 (  28.8% ) of 215 adult human cadaveric hearts studied. A complete morphologic assessments  were done. No significant  differences was found  regarding age or gender. , Majority  of LVFTs are single ,  commonly between  the  ventricular septum  and  papillary muscle .Fibrous  and fibro muscular type is predominant . In our community false tendons are frequent  anatomic variants of normal human LV which may be identified at routine examination  and should not be mistaken as pathologic structures such as flail chordae tendineae or thrombi,  further radiological and clinical  studies are suggested  to ensure their role and function .

Keywords: ventricular false tendons; incidence; morphology

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