Cardiomyopathy and myocarditis in children.

Five cases of postmyocarditic change with clinical profiles of cardiomyopathy in children are described. Some cases with a history of acute myocarditis show postmyocarditic hypertrophy, which may be related to certain immunologic processes. Others with no apparent clinical history of acute myocarditis present with a clinical picture of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and show improvement. Based on long-term observation, these cases are considered to represent postmyocarditic hypertrophy. Long-term follow-up with full laboratory examination, including endomyocardial biopsy is considered necessary in establishing the final diagnosis.