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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Enlargement Of Heart And What Is The Cure?

My 9 month old baby girl has an enlarged heart. She has down syndrome and had a PDA which was corrected by catheterization at 6 months. What is causing the enlargement of the heart and how can it be corrected. What are the risks of the corrective action is not taken. The emergency room doctors also picked up some possible pneumonia in the lungs - is there a link?
Tue, 24 May 2016
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can I can understand your concern.
Since you child is having downs syndrome, possibility of congenital heart diseases (CHD) is more.
CHD like valvular heart diseases, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) etc are common. And both these can cause enlargement of heart.
They can cause also cause heart failure and pulmonary edema. This pulmonary edema causes pneumonia like changes.
So pneumonia and her heart conditions are associated.
So better to consult pediatric cardiologist and get done 2d echo for the diagnosis of this.
If you don't treat at present, her condition will worsen a day her life will be in danger.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your daughter. Thanks.
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What Causes Enlargement Of Heart And What Is The Cure?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can I can understand your concern. Since you child is having downs syndrome, possibility of congenital heart diseases (CHD) is more. CHD like valvular heart diseases, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) etc are common. And both these can cause enlargement of heart. They can cause also cause heart failure and pulmonary edema. This pulmonary edema causes pneumonia like changes. So pneumonia and her heart conditions are associated. So better to consult pediatric cardiologist and get done 2d echo for the diagnosis of this. If you don t treat at present, her condition will worsen a day her life will be in danger. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your daughter. Thanks.