Endomyocardial biopsy in children. Usefulness in various myocardial disorders.

Endomyocardial biopsy studies in adults have demonstrated the usefulness of this method. It is possible that studies will be more productive in determining the etiology and clinical status in patients with clinically diagnosed myocardial diseases. A prospective study conducted over 16 months included 17 children, aged 14 months to 18 years, with the diagnosis of dilated, restrictive cardiomyopathy and myocarditis. In 16 patients right, and in 1 patient left heart endomyocardial biopsies were performed. The specimens were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. There were no serious complications after the procedure. In 1 of 17 children histology showed no myocardial tissue. Electron microscopy evaluations were currently available in 9 patients. Endomyocardial biopsy findings were found to be diagnostic in 41.2%, helpful in 29.4% and of no help in 29.4% of patients. In conclusion, endomyocardial biopsy technique is highly sensitive in children with myocardial disorders. In future it will be the major diagnostic tool for invasive but safe detection of myocardial disease.