Dilated cardiomyopathy in children: moving beyond traditional pharmacologic therapy
This article will address the basic cause, epidemiology, pathobiology, and historical treatment approach of DCM and introduce novel contemporary medical and surgical strategies that may reduce the need for heart transplantation.
Recent findings
In the last 15 years, there has been a significant emphasis on identifying alternative treatment strategies in managing the child with a DCM and heart failure symptoms. New therapies have evolved to help bridge these critically ill children to transplant or have these therapeutic modalities serve as end-points in themselves. Thus subsequently, we will highlight contemporary as we...
Source: Current Opinion in Cardiology - January 1, 2020 Category: Cardiology Tags: PEDIATRICS: Edited by Mitchell Cohen Source Type: research
Anomalous coronary arteries: what is known and what still remains to be learned?
Purpose of review
To report what is known and unknown regarding coronary anomalies in children, particularly anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery, efforts undertaken to answer several questions regarding evaluation and management of this challenging young population, and where the future is heading.
Recent findings
Patients with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) present as an incidental finding at least half of the time, advanced imaging is essential to define anatomic characteristics of this lesion, assessment of myocardial perfusion with stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is feasibl...
Source: Current Opinion in Cardiology - January 1, 2020 Category: Cardiology Tags: PEDIATRICS: Edited by Mitchell Cohen Source Type: research
Virtual reality in pediatric cardiology: hype or hope for the future?
Purpose of review
In the field of pediatric cardiology, a sub-specialty that relies on an understanding of complex three-dimensional structures, virtual reality technology may represent a new and exciting tool for both practitioners and patients. Here, the current medical and surgical applications of virtual reality are reviewed and the potential for future applications explored.
Recent findings
Multiple centers have begun to develop software designed to bring virtual reality technology to bear on congenital heart disease. These efforts have focused on surgical preparation, on education of medical providers, and on pr...
Source: Current Opinion in Cardiology - January 1, 2020 Category: Cardiology Tags: PEDIATRICS: Edited by Mitchell Cohen Source Type: research
Editorial: A contemporary look at pediatric cardiology in 2020
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in Cardiology)
Source: Current Opinion in Cardiology - January 1, 2020 Category: Cardiology Tags: PEDIATRICS: Edited by Mitchell Cohen Source Type: research
Left atrial appendage occlusion: a critical appraisal updated with recent evidence
Purpose of review
To allow readers to fully appreciate the uncertainties with this novel yet invasive approach to stroke prevention.
Recent findings
Percutaneous left atrial (LA) appendage occlusion has emerged as potential nonpharmacologic means to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Yet the evidence underpinning this new technology is not definitive.
Summary
In this review, we consider the internal and external validity of the regulatory trials, pathophysiologic basis for LA appendage occlusion and clinical tradeoffs of the procedure. (Source: Current Opinion in Cardiology)
Source: Current Opinion in Cardiology - January 1, 2020 Category: Cardiology Tags: ARRHYTHMIAS: Edited by Wilber W. Su Source Type: research
