Abstract

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is uncommon in Down syndrome (DS). When combined with congenital heart disease (CHD) both morbidity and mortality may be greater compared to CHD alone. Whether HCM in DS patients is related to having trisomy 21 versus a second site mutation is unknown.
Case Report: We report a case of severe HCM in an infant with DS in combination with double outlet right ventricle (DORV) who required surgery for relive of sub-aortic obstruction and congestive heart failure. We predicted that this infant would have a second site mutation involving either a sarcomeric protein or metabolic disorder as a cause for his HCM. Using current genetic and metabolic testing as well as histologic assessment of excised cardiac tissue we sought to further characterize the nature of the HCM. A successful resection of sub-aortic stenosis and DORV repair was performed. Genetic and metabolic testing was negative for gene defects and/or syndromes commonly associated with familial HCM. Excised cardiac tissue from the ventricular septum exhibited myocyte hypertrophy and sub-endocardial fibrosis but no sarcomeric disarray, myocyte fibrosis or glycogen storage. Metabolic testing for common forms of mitochondrial disease was negative. Post-operative echocardiograms show persistent, non-obstructive septal hypertrophy.
Conclusions: Unlike prior reports, this child required a surgical intervention to relieve his sub-aortic obstruction. Thus, HCM in this population can be more serious that previously suspected. Although testing did not reveal the cause of his HCM, we still suggest screening for known causes of HSC until the etiology of the HCM in DS is well understood.

Keywords: conal-truncal defect, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Down Syndrome