Hypokinetic Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Rare Case of a Spontaneously Regressive Form in a Newborn

Abstract

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) of the newborn is a rare condition, characterized by great clinical variability, with a relative paucity of data on the pediatric population, especially newborns. Early diagnosis can have an impact on the patient's life course and prevent progression to sudden death. In this article, we report the case of a newborn admitted with late-onset neonatal respiratory distress, complicated by heart failure. The newborn was matured by two antenatal injections of betamethasone, which were received as part of a threat of premature delivery. Echocardiography revealed hypokinetic HCM. The rapidity of the establishment of the diagnosis contributed to the patient's survival and improvement within a few weeks under well-managed medical treatment. A complete workup was conducted, with negative results. The most suggested explanation for this condition was the use of antenatal corticosteroids.