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Cardiac involvement in congenital acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Insights
Congenital acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can cause serious cardiac issues in children, including heart failure and valve problems. Early monitoring for cardiac complications in pediatric AIDS patients is crucial for timely management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiovascular Manifestations of HIV/AIDS
Background:
- Cardiac abnormalities are common in adult patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Congenital AIDS presents unique challenges in pediatric care, with potential for severe systemic complications.
Abstract:
Cardiac abnormalities have been reported in 25% to 73% of adult patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We are reporting the clinical course of a child with congenital AIDS who developed similar cardiac complications. He presented with congestive heart failure three months after the diagnosis of AIDS. He had cardiomegaly demonstrated on chest roentgenogram, which was previously normal. He had left ventricular hypertrophy and T-wave abnormalities on electrocardiography and left ventricular dysfunction and dilatation on echocardiography. His subsequent echocardiogram continued to show poor contractility, although his congestive symptoms were stabilized with digitalis therapy and diuresis. After a year of maintenance therapy with digitalis, he developed right ventricular and right atrial enlargement and tricuspid valve thickening and nodularity, similar to the valvular changes reported in adults. Thus, children with AIDS should be monitored for cardiac complications.