ABSTRACT

Cardiomyopathies in children are major causes of morbidity and mortality and over the past 20 years, limited improvements in outcome have been reported. However, on the basis of improvements in the understanding of several of the major forms of cardiomyopathy in adults, as well as the treatment of these disorders, a variety of concepts have been tested (or are currently being tested) in childhood forms of these disorders. In addition, various forms of cardiomyopathy commonly present early in childhood, and these disorders are being described in detail by pediatric cardiologists.