All issues > Volume 50(11); 2007

Review Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2007;50(11):1049-1054. Published online November 15, 2007.

The myocarditis and cardiomyopathy in children

Hong Ryang HR Kil¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Chugnanm National University, College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea

Correspondence Hong Ryang HR Kil ,Email: gilhong@cnu.ac.kr

Abstract

Myocarditis represent an important condition encountered by general pediatricians & general practitioners. Its presentation is varied, and therefore a high index of suspicion must be maintained when the possibility of myocarditis is raised. A progression from viral myocarditis to dilated cardiomyopathy has long been hypothesized. Treatment is initially aimed at achieving hemodynamic stability and is largely supportive. There is currently little evidence to support the immunomodulatory or specific antiviral therapies. Pediatric cardiomyopathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders with diverse genetic, infectious, mitochodrial and metabolic etiologies. The timing and severity of presentation vary according to cardiomyopathy type as well as genetic and ethnic factors. The behavior of specific cardiomyopathies can be predicted by morphological and functional attributes, as well as underlying patient characteristics.

Keywords :Myocarditis, Cardiomyopathy, Treatment, Children