Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
A case of tuberous sclerosis presenting with dysrhythmia in the first day of life
Figen Akalin1, Gökhan Baysoy, Birsen Oztürk
1Department of Pediatrics, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey.
Insights
Cardiac rhabdomyoma, a common childhood heart tumor, can cause arrhythmias. Neonatal arrhythmia warrants investigation for cardiac rhabdomyoma, which may indicate tuberous sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Cardiac rhabdomyoma (CR) is the most frequent primary cardiac tumor in children.
- While often asymptomatic, CR can lead to significant complications like arrhythmias, heart failure, and fetal hydrops.
Observation:
- Neonatal arrhythmias necessitate evaluation for structural heart diseases, including CR.
- Cardiac rhabdomyomas can occur in isolation or be associated with tuberous sclerosis (TS).
Findings:
- Arrhythmias resulting from CR can be the earliest clinical manifestation of tuberous sclerosis.
- This case highlights tuberous sclerosis presenting with ventricular premature beats and second-degree atrioventricular block on the first day of life, with multiple CRs identified via echocardiography.
Implications:
- Early detection of CR in neonates with arrhythmias is crucial for identifying potential underlying conditions like tuberous sclerosis.
- This underscores the importance of comprehensive cardiac evaluation in newborns presenting with arrhythmias.
Abstract:
Cardiac rhabdomyoma (CR) is the most common primary cardiac tumor in childhood. Although CRs are asymptomatic in many cases, they may cause arrhythmia, heart failure and fetal hydrops. Babies with arrhythmia in the neonatal period must be investigated for structural heart disease including CR. Cardiac rhabdomyoma may either present as an isolated tumor or may be related with tuberous sclerosis. Arrhythmia due to CR may be the initial sign of tuberous sclerosis. We report a case of tuberous sclerosis presenting with ventricular premature beats and second-degree atrioventricular block in the first day of life who was found to have multiple CR during echocardiographic examination.
Related Concept Videos
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism, and...
Epilepsy ll: Types

