We compared the incidence of rheumatic heart disease in elementary schoolchildren from low and high socioeconomic groups; children from one of the schools were rescreened 10 years later. The results showed that the incidence of rheumatic heart disease was significantly higher in low socioeconomic group but it is gradually declining.

Child↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Critical tricuspid regurgitation secondary to ruptured chordae tendineae mimicking a mass on the tricuspid valve in a newborn.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) due to chordal rupture is a rare condition in newborns. We present a newborn with critical TR. Cross-sectional echocardiography demonstrated a dense, mobile mass localized at the tricuspid valve and resembling an atrial thrombus or myxoma. At operation, ruptured chordae tendineae of the tricuspid valve were found, forming a tangled mass. Histopathologic examination revealed collagen degeneration and calcification in the ruptured chordae, producing the hyperechoic image. It should be emphasized that ruptured chordae of the tricuspid valve might mimic a tricuspid valve myxoma or a thrombus on cross-sectional echocardiography.

Chordae Tendineae↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Value of the echocardiographic findings of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia with left ventricular involvement in a child.

A 9-year-old girl was admitted because she had had palpitations for 2 years. Her electrocardiogram revealed multifocal ectopic beats with left bundle branch morphology, sinoatrial block, and first- and second-degree atrioventricular blocks. Cross-sectional echocardiography demonstrated an enlarged left ventricle and filling defects and sacculations of the posterior left ventricular wall, apex, and septum. The diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) was confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy and thallium 201 scintigraphy. We present this case because of the rarity of left ventricular involvement associated with ARVD. We also emphasize the value of echocardiography in the early diagnosis of ARVD.

Child↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of idiopathic long QT syndrome in children with congenital deafness.

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized by prolongation of the QT interval associated with a high risk for syncope and sudden death. Jervell and Lange-Nielsen initially described LQTS in association with congenital sensorineural deafness. We have investigated the prevalence of this syndrome in a school for deaf children, evaluating by ECG 350 congenitally deaf children with an age range of 6-19 years. The corrected QT interval (QTc) was calculated by Bazett's formula. Eight children with a QTc interval >440 ms were further studied by cardiac examination, repeat ECGs (three times), Holter monitoring, echocardiography, and exercise testing. The families were assessed for a history of syncope and deafness and underwent ECG evaluations regarding lengthened QTc interval. Among these eight children only two girls aged 14 and 15 years were diagnosed as having LQTS according to Schwartz's criteria (0.57% of the 350 deaf children; 95% confidence intervals 0, </= p </= 0.013). The first patient had two major criteria (QTc 483 ms and a history of syncopal attack) and one minor criteron (congenital deafness); the second also had two major criteria (QTc 613 ms and family members with LQTS) and one minor criterion (congenital deafness). Prophylactic beta-blocker therapy was started in these two patients to prevent sudden death. In conclusion, this syndrome should be sought in children with syncope or a family history of it, especially those with congenital deafness.

Adolescent↗