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Published on: May 16, 2020
[Mitochondrial cardiomyopathy with a high degree of heart muscle hypertrophy]
Insights
A rare form of cardiomyopathy caused by abnormal mitochondria led to the death of a toddler following cleft palate surgery. This mitochondrial myopathy also affected her skeletal muscles.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Mitochondrial Biology
- Pediatric Pathology
Background:
- Cleft palate repair is a common pediatric surgical procedure.
- Cardiomyopathy and mitochondrial disorders can present with severe clinical manifestations.
Observation:
- A 21-month-old female experienced cardiac arrest and died 7 days post-operative cleft palate repair.
- Autopsy revealed severe cardiomyopathy with cardiac hypertrophy.
Findings:
- The cardiomyopathy was attributed to an excessive proliferation of enlarged, structurally abnormal mitochondria.
- Histopathological examination of skeletal muscle confirmed similar mitochondrial abnormalities, indicative of mitochondrial myopathy.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential, albeit rare, association between mitochondrial cardiomyopathy and surgical stress in susceptible pediatric patients.
- Undiagnosed mitochondrial disorders may pose risks during surgical interventions.
- Further research into mitochondrial function in pediatric cardiac conditions is warranted.
Abstract:
Because of cardiomyopathy with concomitant cardiac hypertrophy, a 21 month-old girl died 7 days following operative closure of a cleft palate. The cardiomyopathy was due to an excessive increase of enlarged and abnormally structured mitochondria. Similar mitochondrial change were found in the skeletal muscles (Mitochondrial Myopathy).
Related Concept Videos
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

