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  • Title: [Differential diagnosis and prognosis of primary and post-myocarditis cardiomyopathy in childhood].
    Author: Schmaltz AA, Sieverding L, Apitz J, Maisch B, Hort W.
    Journal: Wien Klin Wochenschr; 1988 Dec 16; 100(24):811-3. PubMed ID: 3070966.
    Abstract:
    It is still difficult to differentiate between the various stages of myocarditis and primary dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Hence, we analyzed the history, as well as the laboratory and virological data of 22 children with a dilated, poorly functioning left ventricle, aged 2 months to 16.7 years (m = 4.2 y), on whom we had performed endomyocardial biopsies about 4 months after the beginning of the illness. Specimens were investigated by light and electron microscopy and, in addition immunoserological (n = 15) and immunohistological investigations (n = 7) were performed. On the basis of cellular infiltration in the histological examination we diagnosed resolving/resolved myocarditis in 6 patients and DCM in 15 patients. Previous respiratory infection or sudden onset were found in 40-50% of patients in both groups. Antimyolemmal and antisarcolemmal antibodies showed no preference. Follow-up (3.1 +/- 2.8 years) of the patients showed equal mortality (33% vs. 38%) in the post-myocarditis and DCM group. Complete normalization of all findings in 3 patients of the DCM group makes the classification among the post-myocarditis group probable, which would, then give a lower mortality rate (22% vs. 46%) and a chance of restitution in 55% of cases. In any one specific case all the diagnostic methods do not allow undoubted distinction between both entities. The prognosis of myocarditis seems to be better than that of DCM in childhood.
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