Abstract:
Introduction: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a severe condition in which the heart muscle is
weakened and no longer has the strength to pump blood throughout the body. The weakened heart
is unable to pump more blood, therefore more blood remains to this level after each heartbeat. As
larger amounts of blood remain in the lower chambers of the heart, they expand. Over time, the
heart muscle loses its shape and becomes increasingly weaker.
Objectives: Study of clinical evolution and ECG of patients diagnosed with associated dilated
cardiomyopathy or ALCAPA Syndrome from a basic treatment with IEC, diuretics and B-blocking
agents along with the surgical treatment.
Materials and Methods: 10 children of which 9 diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and
1 child who associates ALCAPA syndrome were evaluated by Ross score, NYHA and
echocardiographic. Cardiac index measurement using ECG and CT after receiving basic treatment.
Results: The 9 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy treated by the basic therapeutic method
have evolved to improve cardiac indexes (Ross and NYHA) showing an increase in left ventricular
ejection fraction gather up 20%. The patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and ALCAPA syndrome
showed no improvement following therapy being directed to surgical treatment.
Conclusions: Dilated cardiomyopathies in pediatric age have an 80% response rate to basic
treatment with IEC, diuretics and B-blockers that lead to Ross and NYHA amelioration. Dilated
cardiomyopathy associated with ALCAPA syndrome has one treatment option: heart transplant.
