Transient myocardial ischemia of the newborn infant

Ten full-term newborn infants with transient myocardial ischemia developed radiographic evidence of cardiomegaly and pulmonary venous congestion within the first few hours of life. In five patients, radiographic findings returned to normal during the first week of life. In the remaining five patients, radiographic findings improved within the second week and eventually became normal. Echocardiography done on six patients demonstrated left ventricular dysfunction in all six patients. Those infants with documented perinatal insults tend to have a protracted clinical course with eventual recovery. Pathophysiology and clinical course are discussed.