[Endocardial fibroelastosis in children to one year of age]

Abstract

Out of 2398 autopsies of newborns and infants performed between 1976 and 1985, thirty two cases of endocardial fibroelastosis were found, i.e. 10.6% of the congenital heart diseases in this age group. Endocardial fibroelastosis was most frequent (44%) in infants aged between 3 and 6 months. Seventeen cases of the disease were seen in male infants and 15 cases in female infants. Twenty cases of the endocardial fibroelastosis (62.5%) were of isolated character (primary) whereas 12 cases (37.5%) were of the secondary character associated with other heart abnormalities. Nine cases (about 28%) coexisted with congenital abnormalities of joint and bone system and respiratory tract. A morphologic analysis of the endocardial fibroelastosis with particular reference to its etiopathogenesis suggest its congenital origin or (and) an effect of infection on myocardium. It was also suggested that endocardial fibroelastosis may be a symptom of collagenic disease. About 70% of autopsied infants were hospitalized over 3 days what meant that the course of the disease was severe. Endocardial fibroelastosis was diagnosed clinically only in 6 cases (18.75%).