Dilated cardiomyopathy in a child with abdominal neuroblastoma and normal serum catecholamine levels: anaesthetic management and review of literature

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumour of childhood. Dilated cardiomyopathy as an initial presentation of neuroblastoma is rare. We report the case of a three-year-old child with giant abdominal neuroblastoma encasing the abdominal aorta who presented with dilated cardiomyopathy in heart failure without hypertension or elevated serum catecholamine levels. The probable pathophysiological mechanism for such an occurrence and review of similar cases along with perioperative management is presented.Keywords: anaesthesia, catecholamines, child, dilated cardiomyopathy, neuroblastom

High-output cardiac failure in the setting of iron deficiency anaemia: A case report

We present a case of a child with high-output heart failure and severe iron deficiency anaemia-induced dilated cardiomyopathy managed with serial blood transfusions, preload and afterload reducing agents, inotropic therapies, and long-term iron supplementation. The complete resolution of echocardiogram findings of moderate enlargement of all cardiac chambers and moderately depressed left ventricular systolic function was achieved

LEOPARD syndrome in an infant with severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and PTPN11 mutation

In LEOPARD syndrome, mutations affecting exon 13 of the PTPN11 gene have been correlated with a rapidly progressive severe biventricular obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is a report of early onset severe HCM in an infant with LEOPARD syndrome and an unusual mutation in exon 13, showing genotype-phenotype correlation

The role of cardiac MRI in the diagnosis and management of sinus venosus atrial septal defect

Sinus venosus atrial septal defects (SV-ASDs) are inter-atrial communications caused by a deficiency of the common wall between the superior or inferior vena cava and the right-sided pulmonary veins. The diagnosis can be challenging, especially in adults with delayed presentation. We present images that illustrate an example of the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) in the diagnosis and follow-up of a patient with SV-ASD

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome with severe calcific aortic valve stenosis

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare premature aging syndrome that results from mutation in the Laminin A gene. This case report of a 12-year-old girl with HGPS is presented for the rarity of the syndrome and the classical clinical features that were observed in the patient. All patients with this condition should undergo early and periodic evaluation for cardiovascular diseases. However, the prognosis is poor and management is mainly conservative. There is no proven therapy available. Mortality in this uniformly fatal condition is primarily due to myocardial infarction, strokes or congestive cardiac failure between ages 7 and 21 years due to the rapidly progressive arteriosclerosis involving the large vessels

LEOPARD syndrome in an infant with severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and PTPN11 mutation

In LEOPARD syndrome, mutations affecting exon 13 of the PTPN11 gene have been correlated with a rapidly progressive severe biventricular obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is a report of early onset severe HCM in an infant with LEOPARD syndrome and an unusual mutation in exon 13, showing genotype-phenotype correlation

Unique pattern of late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Cardiomyopathy is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Early recognition of myocardial involvement and initiation of therapy are important for improved outcomes. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a sensitive tool in early detection of myocardial fibrosis in these children

Fibrosing Mediastinitis Caused by Histoplasmosis in an Adolescent

Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare, potentially progressive disease resulting from an idiosyncratic immune response to a variety of stimuli that lead to fibrous infiltration of the mediastinum and possible narrowing of the bronchovascular structures. We report an unusual case of FM in a pediatric patient presenting as myopericarditis and progressing to pericardial thickening and encasement of the mediastinal vascular structures needing surgical intervention. Imaging, including transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance played a crucial role in the diagnosis, assessment, and follow-up. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography can be especially helpful to demonstrate potential findings associated with FM