A Rare Presentation of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Along with Takayasu Arteritis in a Preschool Child

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form of cardiomyopathy in children, is the cause of significant morbidity and mortality. Although the most common etiology of DCM remains idiopathic, it is estimated that upto 50% of cases are genetic. The pathogenesis of ventricular dilation and altered contractility seen in DCM varies depending on the underlying etiology; systolic dysfunction and myocyte injury are common.

Takayasu arteritis also known as “pulseless disease”, is a chronic large vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology and predominantly involves the aorta and its major branches. This disease is most common in Asians and mostly diagnosed in adolescent age group, on average at the age of 13 years. TA is characterized by inflammation of the vessel wall starting from vasa vasorum. Persistent inflammation leads to progressive scarring and intimal proliferation and can result in stenotic or occluded vessels leading to systemic manifestations.

We have reported a rare case of dilated cardiomyopathy along with Takayasu arteritis in a preschool child. The causality and association between both the conditions has not been fully understood yet. However DCM has been reported in only 5-6% cases of TA.