Cardiomyopathy in Infants and Children

Study Notes

Cardiomyopathy in Infants and Children

Cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of cardiac death in children.
1 in 100,000 children under 18 in the US is diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.
Most cases are diagnosed in children under 12 months, with the next largest group being 12-18 years old.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can present with a range of symptoms, from none to congestive heart failure (CHF).
Infants and young children with subtle symptoms may be misdiagnosed with respiratory infections.
Older children with DCM often present with decreased exercise capacity or fatigue.
In cases of DCM caused by viral myocarditis, CHF symptoms can worsen rapidly, requiring emergency hospitalization.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is often diagnosed in infancy or adolescence.
Approximately 35-40% of childhood cardiomyopathies are HCM.
HCM can present with varying symptoms, from none to severe symptoms like dysrhythmias and heart failure.
CHF symptoms are common in infants under 1 year old, while older children may be asymptomatic.
Symptoms of HCM often onset during rapid growth and development, or with rigorous physical activity.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is the least common type of cardiomyopathy in children, affecting less than 1 in a million.
Most cases of RCM are diagnosed around age 5 or 6.
RCM is slightly more prevalent in girls than boys, often with a family history of cardiomyopathy.
Early RCM symptoms are often lung-related, mimicking chronic lung infection or asthma.
Cardiac involvement can be identified through chest x-ray or physical examination.
Other RCM symptoms include abnormal heart sounds, fainting, abdominal fluid, liver enlargement, and edema.
Sudden death can be the first indication of RCM in some children.

Safety Considerations

Children with cardiomyopathy should not participate in competitive sports due to the risk of collapse or worsened heart failure.
Low-impact activities may be appropriate based on individual clinical status.
Consult a healthcare provider for guidance on appropriate physical activity for children with cardiomyopathy.

Description

Explore the critical aspects of cardiomyopathy in pediatric populations, focusing on its types, symptoms, and diagnosis. This quiz covers both dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, detailing the prevalence and complexities involved, especially in infants and younger children. Enhance your understanding of this vital health issue affecting children under 18.