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Published on: August 8, 2022
Cardiomyopathies in children: An overview.
Adalena Tsatsopoulou1, Ioannis Protonotarios2, Zafeirenia Xylouri2
1General Paediatrics and Clinical Research, Private Clinic, Naxos, Greece; Unit of Inherited Cardiac Conditions and Sports Cardiology, 1st Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Unit of Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Centre, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Childhood cardiomyopathies are diverse heart muscle disorders often caused by genetic variants, affecting children under two years old. Early presentation of heart failure, transplantation, or death is common, with exercise potentially worsening outcomes in ARVC.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric cardiology
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular pathology
Background:
- Paediatric cardiomyopathies are heterogeneous heart muscle disorders with structural and electrical abnormalities.
- Genetic variants in myocardial cell structure are a common cause, often inherited.
- These conditions can be syndromic, involving metabolic, neuromuscular, or extracardiac defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of childhood cardiomyopathies.
- Focus on clinical presentation, outcomes, and pathology.
- Highlight genetic and acquired causes and their impact.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of paediatric cardiomyopathies.
- Analysis of incidence, phenotypes, and risk factors.
- Examination of clinical outcomes and pathological findings.
Main Results:
- Dilated (60%) and hypertrophic (25%) cardiomyopathies are most common in children.
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) has worse outcomes with high-intensity exercise.
- Acute myocarditis has a significant mortality rate and can lead to dilated or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
Conclusions:
- Childhood cardiomyopathies require early diagnosis and management due to potential for severe adverse events.
- Genetic factors play a crucial role in many cases.
- Understanding specific phenotypes like ARVC and triggers like myocarditis is vital for patient care.
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Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
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Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

