Noncompaction cardiomyopathy is a rare type of heart disease where the muscular wall of the heart fails to develop normally during fetal development. It can lead to life-threatening complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, blood clots and sudden cardiac death. It is also known as noncompaction left ventricular myocardium, spongiform cardiomyopathy, ventricular hypertrabeculation and left ventricular noncompaction syndrome. Some researchers also refer to it as isolated ventricular noncompaction. Despite the various synonyms used to describe this condition, what is clear is that it is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment by a specialist cardiac team.