Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: infants, children, and adolescents

Shiraz A Maskatia1

  • 1Lillie Frank Abercrombie Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Texas Children's Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA. samaskat@texaschildrenshospital.org

Congenital Heart Disease
|January 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes abnormal heart muscle thickening in children. This review covers pediatric HCM, focusing on its varied presentation and risks in infants, children, and adolescents.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is defined by unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) without ventricular dilation.
  • HCM is linked to genetic mutations, family history, and sudden cardiac death risk.
  • Pediatric HCM exhibits significant clinical variability, with limited data available.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in pediatric populations.
  • To discuss clinical variability and data gaps in childhood HCM.
  • To cover HCM presentation in infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
  • Synthesis of existing data on clinical presentation and outcomes.
  • Analysis of genetic and familial aspects in children.

Main Results:

  • HCM presents diversely in infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Genetic factors and family history are significant in pediatric cases.
  • Increased risk of sudden cardiac death is noted in affected children.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to understand pediatric HCM.
  • Early diagnosis and management are crucial for affected children.
  • This review consolidates current knowledge on childhood HCM.

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