Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Murine Fetal Echocardiography
08:04

Murine Fetal Echocardiography

Published on: February 15, 2013

How can the echocardiogram be useful for predicting death in children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy?

Vitor Manuel Pereira Azevedo1, Francisco Manes Albanesi Filho, Marco Aurélio Santos

  • 1Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia Laranjeiras and Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. vitoraze@ig.com.br

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|July 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Echocardiography can predict death in children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Key predictors include increased left atrium/aorta ratio, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and worsening mitral insufficiency, guiding early heart transplant consideration.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Heart Failure Research

Background:

  • Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCMP) is a significant cause of heart failure in children.
  • Echocardiography is crucial for assessing cardiac function and structure in pediatric patients.
  • Identifying prognostic factors in pediatric IDCMP is essential for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify echocardiographic parameters that predict mortality in children diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • To establish a basis for risk stratification and management decisions in pediatric IDCMP.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 148 children with IDCMP.
  • Inclusion criteria: heart failure and reduced contractility without congenital or secondary heart disease.
  • Assessment of various echocardiographic parameters including dimensions, ejection fraction, valve function, and pressures over 244.8 months.

Main Results:

  • 35 patients (23.7%) died during the study period.
  • Significant predictors of death included increased left atrial dimension (LAD), left atrium/aorta ratio (LAD/Ao), left ventricular dimensions (LVSD, LVDD), left ventricular mass (LVmass), right ventricular dimension (RVD), and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and shortening fraction (%SH).
  • Worsening mitral insufficiency (MI), tricuspid insufficiency (TI), and moderate/severe pulmonary insufficiency were associated with increased mortality. Independent predictors of death were LAD/Ao, LVEF, and moderate/severe MI.

Conclusions:

  • Progressive increases in LAD/Ao, reductions in LVEF, and worsening MI are critical echocardiographic indicators of poor prognosis in pediatric IDCMP.
  • These findings suggest that children with these echocardiographic changes should be considered for early heart transplantation.
  • Echocardiographic monitoring plays a vital role in managing pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Echocardiographic Approaches and Protocols for Comprehensive Phenotypic Characterization of Valvular Heart Disease in Mice12:12

Echocardiographic Approaches and Protocols for Comprehensive Phenotypic Characterization of Valvular Heart Disease in Mice

Published on: February 14, 2017

Displacement Analysis of Myocardial Mechanical Deformation (DIAMOND) Reveals Segmental Heterogeneity of Cardiac Function in Embryonic Zebrafish09:15

Displacement Analysis of Myocardial Mechanical Deformation (DIAMOND) Reveals Segmental Heterogeneity of Cardiac Function in Embryonic Zebrafish

Published on: February 6, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography

Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...