Cardiac manifestations of inborn errors of metabolism

A Evangeliou1, K Papadopoulou-Legbelou, E Daphnis

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Crete, Greece. evangeli@med.uoc.gr

Minerva Pediatrica
|May 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac manifestations are frequently observed in patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). Early recognition of these heart conditions is crucial for diagnosing IEMs, especially when neurological symptoms are mild.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are a group of genetic disorders that can affect multiple organ systems.
  • Cardiac manifestations are not always recognized as a key diagnostic indicator for IEMs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency and types of cardiac manifestations in patients with potential IEMs.
  • To evaluate the role of cardiac symptoms in the diagnosis of IEMs in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 287 patients with potential IEMs was analyzed.
  • Cardiac assessments were performed, identifying conditions such as cardiomyopathy, cardiomegaly, and conduction disorders.

Main Results:

  • 41 patients exhibited cardiac manifestations.
  • A diagnosis of IEM was confirmed in 15 of these 41 patients.
  • In 6 patients, cardiovascular symptoms were the primary presentation, with 7 adults having childhood-onset symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac findings are an underappreciated aspect of IEM diagnosis.
  • Collaboration between various medical specialists is essential for managing patients with unexplained cardiac symptoms and potential IEMs.
  • Several IEMs are associated with cardiac abnormalities, underscoring the need for cardiac screening.
Abstract

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