Acquired Valvular Heart Disease in Children: Our Examples

Abstract

The most prevalent congenital heart defects for paediatric cardiologists to deal with have traditionally been cardiomyopathy (primary disease of the heart muscle), arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), and acquired heart disease. More recently, most developed countries are also engaged in combatting fetal echocardiography.Rheumatic heart disease and Kawasaki disease are the two most common types of acquired disease in children. Rheumatic heart disease occurs in children aged 5-15 years, and Kawasaki disease is most common in those younger than 5 years. Both diseases represent inflammatory conditions. Kawasaki disease affects the lymph nodes, and blood vessels of the heart. Rheumatic disease affects the connective tissue, and causes inflammation of the joints, and especially inflammation of the heart.Bacterial infections can affect not only the valves of the heart, but also the heart muscle, and the lining of the heart. Cardiac valves can be affected by systemic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.