[Cardiac abnormalities in children with neuromuscular diseases].

BACKGROUND

To evaluate cardiac abnormalities in children with different neuromuscular diseases (NMD) PATIENTS AND METHOD: In 40 patients with NMD, cardiac abnormalities were evaluated by cardiac auscultation, chest X-ray, electrocardiography (ECG), ambulatory Holter ECG and Doppler echography.

RESULTS

Sinus tachycardia, high R/S complex, deep Q waves, repolarization disorders, electrical conduction abnormalities, auricular and ventricular extrasystoles, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, mitral valve prolapse and dilated cardiomyopathy were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The association of cardiac abnormalities in children with NMD is frequent. Conventional ECG monitorization, Holter ECG and echocardiography allow their diagnosis and follow-up.