Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Dual-Dye Optical Mapping of Hearts from RyR2R2474S Knock-In Mice of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
09:36

Dual-Dye Optical Mapping of Hearts from RyR2R2474S Knock-In Mice of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

Published on: December 22, 2023

2.0K

Hypocalcemic rachitic cardiomyopathy in infants

Abdelwahab T H Elidrissy1, Medinah Munawarah, Khalid M Alharbi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia.

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association
|November 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy in infants presents as heart failure due to low calcium levels. Early detection and treatment with calcium and vitamin D are crucial for recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy is a serious condition in infants, characterized by heart failure without organic cardiac defects.
  • Rickets due to Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly prevalent, particularly in the Middle East.
  • A local study found no cardiomyopathy in 136 diagnosed rickets cases, prompting concern about underdiagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy in infants.
  • To understand the pathogenesis and clinical features of this condition.
  • To highlight the importance of recognizing and managing hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of PubMed for case reports and series on hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy.
  • Analysis of reported cases focusing on age, clinical presentation, biochemical markers, and echocardiographic findings.
  • Review of potential contributing factors, including vitamin D deficiency and hyperparathyroidism.

Main Results:

  • 61 cases of hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy were identified through case reports and series (16 and 15 cases from London and Delhi).
  • Infants presented with heart failure and hypocalcemia, typically around 5 months of age.
  • Echocardiography confirmed cardiomyopathy in all cases; rickets was a minor feature in some. High alkaline phosphatase levels were common.
  • Most infants responded well to treatment with calcium, vitamin D, cardiotonics, and diuretics.

Conclusions:

  • Hypocalcemia is the primary cause of this cardiomyopathy, with Vitamin D deficiency also playing a role.
  • Hyperparathyroidism may have a protective effect against developing cardiomyopathy in rickets.
  • Prompt recognition of cardiomyopathy in infants with hypocalcemia is essential. Maternal and infant supplementation with Vitamin D is recommended for prevention.
Abstract

Keywords:
CardiomypathyRickets

More Related Videos

Isolation and Cryopreservation of Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes07:05

Isolation and Cryopreservation of Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes

Published on: April 9, 2015

12.3K
Myocardial Infarction in Neonatal Mice, A Model of Cardiac Regeneration07:48

Myocardial Infarction in Neonatal Mice, A Model of Cardiac Regeneration

Published on: May 24, 2016

19.1K

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
968
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
837
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
1.0K
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
812
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
802
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
1.3K