Endomyocardial biopsy technique in infants and small children.

Endomyocardial biopsy is performed when a histological diagnosis is required, e.g. in patients with cardiac failure due to unknown causes, in anthracycline toxicity, and to evaluate cardiac transplant rejection. Right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy has been carried out in 10 infants and small children (average age 14 months); the technical aspects of the procedure are discussed. Performed by a paediatric cardiologist endomyocardial biopsy in infancy is as safe as a routine cardiac catheterization.