Abstract

VELAZQUEZ-RODRIGUEZ, Enrique et al. Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in children and adolescents. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2013, vol.70, n.3, pp.234-247. ISSN 1665-1146.

Background. Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form of cardiomyopathy in children; however, potentially reversible causes may occasionally be identified. Among these a group of patients with symptoms of congestive heart failure and persistent tachycardia representing a form of nonfamilial acquired cardiomyopathy known as tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy or tachycardiomyopathy. This is a reversible condition with effective treatment of tachycardia. These patients may be misdiagnosed, potentially leading to inappropriate treatment. Diagnosis is often late and always should be suspected in patients with congestive heart failure and unexplained persistent tachycardia. Case reports. We describe six pediatric patients (mean age 12 ±4 years old, range 6-16 years). Patients presented with clinical manifestations of heart failure followed by dilated cardiomyopathy. Different mechanisms of persistent tachycardia were documented as the cause and total recovery was achieved of ventricular function after successful treatment of tachycardia by catheter ablation. Conclusions. The recognition of tachyarrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy in pediatric patients is important. Opportune diagnosis and effective treatment are necessary because tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is a reversible cause of heart failure.

Keywords : tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy; idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy; incessant tachycardia; ectopic atrial tachycardia; fascicular ventricular tachycardia; permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )