Reversible cardiomyopathy subsequent to perinatal infection with the human immunodeficiency virus

Maria Suely Bezerra Diógenes1, Antonio Carlos Camargo Carvalho, Regina Célia de Menezes Succi

  • 1Hospital São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

Cardiology in the Young
|December 26, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This case study details a child with advanced perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who experienced severe heart failure. The child fully recovered heart function after six years of treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiomyopathy Research

Background:

  • Perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can lead to severe medical complications.
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure are serious potential sequelae in children with advanced HIV.

Observation:

  • A pediatric patient with advanced perinatally acquired HIV presented with early, severe dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.
  • The patient underwent six years of treatment and clinical follow-up.

Findings:

  • Complete reversal of cardiac dysfunction was observed.
  • Echodopplercardiography confirmed normal left ventricular dimensions and contractility in the seven-year-old patient.
  • This represents the first reported case of full cardiomyopathy recovery in a child with perinatally acquired HIV.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for significant cardiac recovery in children with perinatally acquired HIV.
  • It underscores the importance of long-term management and monitoring for cardiovascular complications in this population.
  • Findings may inform therapeutic strategies and prognosis for pediatric HIV-associated cardiomyopathy.

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