One-Year Follow-Up Results of MIS-C Patients with Coronary Artery Involvement: A Multi-center Study.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children is a rare complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Knowing the course of the affected or unaffected coronary arteries in the patients under follow-up is important in terms of defining the long-term prognosis of the disease and determining the follow-up plan. This is a multicenter and retrospective study. The data were obtained from nine different centers. Between May 2020 and August 2022, 68 of 790 patients had coronary artery involvement. One-year echocardiographic data of 67 of 789 MIS-C patients with coronary artery involvement were analyzed. Existing pathologies of the coronary arteries were grouped as increased echogenicity, dilatation and aneurysm according to Z scores, and their changes over a 1-year period were determined. The data of all three groups are defined as frequency. SPSS Statistics version 22 was used to evaluate the data. In our study, aneurysm was observed in 16.4%, dilatation in 68.7% and increased echogenicity in 13.4% of the patients. All of the patients with involvement in the form of increased echogenicity recovered without sequelae by the end of the first month. No progression to aneurysm was observed in any of the patients with dilatation. No new-onset involvement was observed in patients with previously healthy coronary arteries during the convalescent period. In addition, from the sixth month follow-up period, there was no worsening in the amount of dilatation in any of the patients. At least 94% of the patients who completed the 12th month control period returned to normal.

Left and right ventricular function by echocardiography, tissue doppler imaging, carotid intima media thickness, and asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in female adolescents with vitamin D deficiency.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to assess left and right ventricle systolic and diastolic functions in female adolescents with vitamin D deficiency using conventional echocardiography and pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging and to investigate carotid intima media thickness and asymmetric dimethylarginine levels. METHODS: Sixty-six female adolescents were enrolled in this study. The female adolescents were divided into a vitamin D deficiency group (n: 34) and a control group (n: 32). All subjects underwent laboratory blood tests, including asymmetric dimethyl arginine, complete two-dimensional, pulse, and tissue Doppler echocardiography, and measurement of the carotid intima-media thickness. RESULTS: The vitamin D-deficient female adolescent group had normal left and right ventricle systolic and diastolic functions and normal global systolic and diastolic myocardial performance. In the patients with vitamin D deficiency, the carotid intima-media thickness was higher than that in the controls. In the patients within the vitamin D deficiency group, vitamin D was found to be positively correlated with magnesium and negatively correlated with phosphorus and left atrial dimension. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that vitamin D deficiency in female adolescence is associated with normal myocardial geometry and function. Although it has been associated with normal levels of asymmetric dimethyl arginine concentration, high measured carotid intima-media thickness may reflect endothelial dysfunction.

COVID-19 associated multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in 614 children with and without overlap with Kawasaki disease-Turk MIS-C study group.

Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) diagnosis remains difficult because the clinical features overlap with Kawasaki disease (KD). The study aims to highlight the clinical and laboratory features and outcomes of patients with MISC whose clinical manifestations overlap with or without KD. This study is a retrospective analysis of a case series designed for patients aged 1 month to 18 years in 28 hospitals between November 1, 2020, and June 9, 2021. Patient demographics, complaints, laboratory results, echocardiographic results, system involvement, and outcomes were recorded. A total of 614 patients were enrolled; the median age was 7.4 years (interquartile range (IQR) 3.9-12 years). A total of 277 (45.1%) patients with MIS-C had manifestations that overlapped with KD, including 92 (33.3%) patients with complete KD and 185 (66.7%) with incomplete KD. Lymphocyte and platelet counts were significantly lower in patients with MISC, overlapped with KD (lymphocyte count 1080 vs. 1280 cells × µL, p = 0.028; platelet count 166 vs. 216 cells × 103/µL, p < 0.001). The median serum procalcitonin levels were statistically higher in patients overlapped with KD (3.18 vs. 1.68 µg/L, p = 0.001). Coronary artery dilatation was statistically significant in patients with overlap with KD (13.4% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.007), while myocarditis was significantly more common in patients without overlap with KD features (2.6% vs 7.4%, p = 0.009). The association between clinical and laboratory findings and overlap with KD was investigated. Age > 12 years reduced the risk of overlap with KD by 66% (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.217-0.550), lethargy increased the risk of overlap with KD by 2.6-fold (p = 0.011, 95% CI 1.244-5.439), and each unit more albumin (g/dl) reduced the risk of overlap with KD by 60% (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.298-0.559). CONCLUSION: Almost half of the patients with MISC had clinical features that overlapped with KD; in particular, incomplete KD was present. The median age was lower in patients with KD-like features. Lymphocyte and platelet counts were lower, and ferritin and procalcitonin levels were significantly higher in patients with overlap with KD. WHAT IS KNOWN: • In some cases of MIS-C, the clinical symptoms overlap with Kawasaki disease. • Compared to Kawasaki disease, lymphopenia was an independent predictor of MIS-C. WHAT IS NEW: • Half of the patients had clinical features that overlapped with Kawasaki disease. • In patients whose clinical features overlapped with KD, procalcitonin levels were almost 15 times higher than normal. • Lethargy increased the risk of overlap with KD by 2.6-fold in MIS-C patients. • Transient bradycardia was noted in approximately 10% of our patients after initiation of treatment.

Left and right ventricular function by echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, carotid intima-media thickness, and asymmetric dimethyl arginine levels in obese adolescents with metabolic syndrome.

PurposeThe aim of our study was to assess left ventricle and right ventricle systolic and diastolic functions in obese adolescents with metabolic syndrome using conventional echocardiography and pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging and to investigate carotis intima-media thickness, and asymmetric dimethyl arginine levels. METHODS: A total of 198 obese adolescents were enrolled in the study. The obese patients were divided into metabolic syndrome group and non-metabolic syndrome group. All subjects underwent laboratory blood tests, including asymmetric dimethyl arginine, complete two-dimensional, pulsed, and tissue Doppler echocardiography, and measurement of the carotid intima-media thickness. RESULTS: Obese adolescents were characterised by enlarged left end-diastolic, end-systolic and left atrial diameters, thicker left and right ventricular walls compared with non-obese adolescents. The metabolic syndrome group had normal left ventricle systolic function, impaired diastolic function, and altered global systolic and diastolic myocardial performance. In the metabolic syndrome obese group patients, left ventricle mass was found positively correlated with body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, diastolic blood pressure, age, and waist-to-hip circumference ratio. The carotid intima-media thickness was found positively correlated with waist and hip circumferences and total cholesterol levels. Asymmetric dimethyl arginine levels were found positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, waist-to-hip circumference ratio, and diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that metabolic syndrome in adolescence is associated with significant changes in myocardial geometry and function. In addition, it has been associated with a high level of asymmetric dimethyl arginine concentration and thicker carotid intima-media thickness reflecting endothelial dysfunction.

Is Asymmetric Dimethylarginine a Useful Biomarker in Children With Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

OBJECTIVE: Carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity due to poisoning worldwide. Because children are affected more quick and severely from COP, they may require a longer treatment period, even if carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) and/or lactate levels return to normal. Therefore, a new marker that predicts the duration of treatment and the final outcomes of COP is needed. METHODS: This case control study was conducted on 32 carbon monoxide-poisoned patients younger than 18 years who had been admitted to pediatric emergency department. The control group included age- and sex-matched 30 healthy children. Blood samples were obtained for analysis of arterial blood gases, CO-Hb percent, methemoglobine, lactate, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). RESULTS: Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in patients with COP on admission and after the treatment when compared with controls (1.36 [0.89-6.94], 1.69 [0.76-7.81], 1.21 [0.73-3.18] nmol/L, respectively). There was no positive correlation between CO-Hb and ADMA levels on admission and at 6 hours (P = 0.903, r = 0.218, P = 0.231, r = 0.022, respectively). Positive correlation was found between lactate and CO-Hb levels on admission (P = 0.018, r = 0.423). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that ADMA levels were still high after 6 hours of 100% oxygen therapy in children with COP, even CO-Hb and/or lactate levels return to normal range. On the basis of these results, we consider that ADMA may be a useful biomarker in patient with COP.

Correlation of P-wave dispersion with insulin sensitivity in obese adolescents.

BACKGROUND: P-wave dispersion is a new and simple electrocardiographic marker that has been reported to be associated with inhomogeneous and discontinuous propagation of sinus impulses. In the present study, we evaluated P-wave dispersion in obese adolescents and investigated the relationship between P-wave dispersion, cardiovascular risk factors, and echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: We carried out a case-control study comparing 150 obese adolescents and 50 healthy controls. Maximum and minimum P-wave durations were measured using a 12-lead surface electrocardiogram, and P-wave dispersion was calculated as the difference between these two measures. Echocardiographic examination was also performed for each subject. Multivariate linear regression analysis with stepwise variable selection was used to evaluate parameters associated with increased P-wave dispersion in obese subjects. RESULTS: Maximum P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion were significantly higher in obese adolescents than control subjects (143±19 ms versus 117±20 ms and 49±15 ms versus 29±9 ms, p<0.0001 for both). P-wave dispersion was positively correlated with body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol, serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin, homoeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance score, left ventricular mass, and left atrial dimension. P-wave dispersion was negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. By multiple stepwise regression analysis, left atrial dimension (ß: 0.252, p=0.008) and homoeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (ß: 0.205; p=0.009) were independently associated with increased P-wave dispersion in obese adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance is a significant, independent predictor of P-wave dispersion in obese adolescents.

Mean platelet volume in children with Reye-like syndrome.

Reye-like syndrome (RLS) is considered to be a systemic disorder in which the cytokine storm plays a major role. Mean platelet volume (MPV), which is commonly used as a measure of platelet size, indicates the rate of platelet production and platelet activation. We aimed to study MPV in children with RLS. The study population consisted of 30 children with RLS and 30 healthy control subjects. White blood cell (WBC) count, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) values were significantly higher and MPV values were significantly lower in patients with RLS at an early stage of illness when compared to controls. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, AST and ALT values were significantly decreased in patients with RLS after the treatment when compared to baseline whereas MPV values were increased. MPV values were negatively correlated with ESR and WBC. In conclusion, at an early stage of RLS MPV values were lower when compared to controls.

Left ventricular dimensions, systolic functions, and mass in term neonates with symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated structural changes in the heart and cardiac dysfunction in foetuses with intrauterine growth restriction. There are no available data that evaluated left ventricular dimensions and mass in neonates with symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate left ventricular dimensions, systolic functions, and mass in neonates with symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction. We also assessed associated maternal risk factors, and compared results with healthy appropriate for gestational age neonates. METHODS: In all, 62 asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction neonates, 39 symmetric intrauterine growth restriction neonates, and 50 healthy appropriate for gestational age neonates were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: The asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction group had significantly lower left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters and posterior wall diameter in systole and diastole than the control group. The symmetric intrauterine growth restriction group had significantly lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter than the control group. All left ventricular dimensions were lower in the asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction neonates compared with symmetric intrauterine growth restriction neonates (p>0.05), but not statistically significant except left ventricular posterior wall diameter in diastole (3.08±0.83 mm versus 3.54 ±0.72 mm) (p<0.05). Both symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction groups had significantly lower relative posterior wall thickness (0.54±0.19 versus 0.48±0.13 versus 0.8±0.12), left ventricular mass (9.8±4.3 g versus 8.9±3.4 g versus 22.2±5.7 g), and left ventricular mass index (63.6±29.1 g/m2 versus 54.5±24.4 g/m2 versus 109±28.8 g/m2) when compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has demonstrated that although neonates with both symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction had lower left ventricular dimensions, relative posterior wall thickness, left ventricular mass, and mass index when compared with appropriate for gestational age neonates, left ventricular systolic functions were found to be preserved. In our study, low socio-economic level, short maternal stature, and low maternal weight were found to be risk factors to develop intrauterine growth restriction. To our knowledge, our study is the first to evaluate left ventricular dimensions, wall thicknesses, mass, and systolic functions in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction and compare results with respect to asymmetric or symmetric subgroups.

Mean platelet volume in acute rheumatic fever.

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is still an endemic disease, especially among school-aged children in developing countries. Mean platelet volume (MPV), which is commonly used as a measure of platelet size, indicates the rate of platelet production and platelet activation. We aimed to investigate MPV in children with ARF. The study population consisted of 40 children with ARF (32 patients with carditis and 8 patients without carditis) and 40 healthy control subjects. White blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts were significantly higher and MPV values were significantly lower in patients with ARF during the acute stage when compared to controls. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein values significantly decreased in patients with ARF after the treatment when compared to baseline, whereas MPV values increased. MPV values were negatively correlated with ESR and WBC, and platelet counts. In conclusion, during the acute stage of ARF, MPV values were lower when compared to controls.

Unusually prominent Chiari's network prolapsing into the right ventricle in an asymptomatic newborn.

Chiari's network (CN) is an embryologic remnant of eustachian valve located in the right atrium (RA). Incomplete involution of the fetal sinus venosus valves results in ''redundant'' CN. CN has been found in 1.3-4 % of autopsy studies and is believed to be of little clinical consequence. However, a redundant CN may favor persistence of a patent foramen ovale, formation of an atrial septal aneurysm, atrial thrombus, or paradoxic embolism, or cause intense right-to-left shunting. It may also cause arrythmias or compromise cardiovascular functions. We report an asymptomatic newborn with a prominent CN prolapsing into the right ventricle and discuss the clinical consequences of a CN. Although the patient herein presented is asymptomatic, CN may cause persistent cyanosis in the newborns mimicking congenital heart disease. It can also be confused with other curvilinear, highly mobile pathologic structures in the RA, such as vegetation, flail tricuspid leaflet, ruptured chordae tendinae, thrombus, or tumor. CN is not always a benign structure; therefore, identification and accurate diagnosis by echocardiography is important.

Isolated right ventricular noncompaction in a newborn.

Noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium is a rare cardiomyopathy characterized by a pattern of prominent trabecular meshwork and deep intertrabecular recesses. The prevalence of left ventricular noncompaction is 0.01% in adults and 0.14% in pediatric patients. Although the usual site of involvement is the left ventricle, the right ventricle and septum can be affected as well. Previously, right ventricular noncompaction has been described only in a few cases of newborns with congenital heart defects and in adult patients. This report presents a newborn with isolated right ventricular noncompaction. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first newborn patient with isolated right ventricular noncompaction but no congenital heart defect involving only the right ventricle.

Isolated left ventricular noncompaction in a newborn with Pierre-Robin sequence.

Pierre-Robin sequence or syndrome (PRS) (OMIM #261800) is characterized by a small mandible (micrognathia), posterior displacement/retraction of the tongue (glossoptosis), and upper airway obstruction. It has an incidence varying from 1 in 8,500 to 1 in 30,000 births. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) occur in 20 % of the patients with PRS. Ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, and atrial septal defects are the most common lesions. Noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium is a rare cardiomyopathy characterized by a pattern of prominent trabecular meshwork and deep intertrabecular recesses. It is thought to be caused by arrest of the normal endomyocardial morphogenesis. Isolated left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) in patients with PRS has not been reported previously. This report describes a newborn with PRS and isolated LVNC. Previously, LVNC has been reported in association with mitochondrial disorders, Barth syndrome hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, zaspopathy, muscular dystrophy type 1, 1p36 deletion, Turner syndrome, Ohtahara syndrome, distal 5q deletion, mosaic trisomy 22, trisomy 13, DiGeorge syndrome, and 1q43 deletion with decreasing frequency. Karyotype analysis of the reported patient showed normal chromosomes (46, XX), and a fluorescent in situ hybridization study did not show chromosome 22q11.2 deletion. This is the first clinical report of a patient with isolated LVNC and PRS. Noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium is a rare and unique disorder with characteristic morphologic features that can be identified by echocardiography. Long-term follow-up evaluation for development of progressive LV dysfunction and cardiac arrhythmias is indicated for these patients.

Subclinical hypothyroidism as a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease in obese adolescents with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

No data are available on the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease in obese adolescents with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to determine whether an association exists between subclinical hypothyroidism and risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease in obese adolescents with NAFLD. The study enrolled 111 obese adolescents and 42 lean subjects. The obese subjects were divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of fatty liver with high transaminases: a NAFLD group and a non-NAFLD group. Subclinical hypothyroidism was defined as a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level higher than 4 mIU/l and a normal free-thyroxine level (0.6-1.8 ng/dl). Insulin resistance was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Left ventricular mass (LVM), LVM index measurements, carotid intima media thickness (IMT), and HOMA-IR values were higher in the NAFLD obese group with TSH levels higher than 4 mIU/l than in the NAFLD obese group with TSH levels lower than 4 mIU/l. Elevated TSH values in the NAFLD obese group were positively correlated with most of the metabolic and cardiovascular risk parameters such as total cholesterol (r = 0.606, p = 0.001), triglycerides (r = 0.476, p = 0.016), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.461, p = 0.004), insulin (r = 0.607, p = 0.001), HOMA-IR (r = 0.596, p = 0.002), carotid IMT (r = 0.894, p < 0.0001), and LVM (r = 0.563, p = 0.003). The findings demonstrated that the obese adolescents with NAFLD and subclinical hypothyroidism had a more adverse cardiovascular risk profile and a higher carotid IMT and LVM.

Platelet distribution width and mean platelet volume in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease with left-to-right shunt: new indices of severity?

The majority of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), particularly those with relevant systemic-to-pulmonary shunts, if left untreated, will experience the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Previous studies have shown that platelet activation occurs in patients with PAH. In response, this study aimed to investigate the platelet indices, including platelet distribution width (PDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV), in patients with PAH. The study was conducted in the pediatrics cardiology unit of Selcuk University Medical Faculty between July 2010 and January 2012. The patients' clinical and laboratory data were obtained retrospectively from hospital recordings. The study enrolled 57 children with CHD (all with left-to-right shunting). The patients who had undergone diagnostic cardiac catheterization were analyzed according to the presence or absence of PAH. Group 1 had CHD with PAH, and group 2 had CHD without PAH. Compared with the group 2 patients, a significant decrease in PDW (p < 0.0001) was noted in the group 1 patients (with PAH). Likewise, a significant difference was found in the MPV of group 1 (p < 0.0001). Statistically, groups 1 and 2 did not differ in terms of platelet count (p = 0.3). Patients who had pulmonary hypertension secondary to CHD with left-to-right shunting exhibited a lower PDW and MPV.

Clinical characteristics and causes of chest pain in 380 children referred to a paediatric cardiology unit.

BACKGROUND: Chest pain is a common presenting complaint to paediatrics, paediatric cardiology, and paediatric emergency departments. In this study, we prospectively evaluated clinical characteristics and causes of chest pain in children referred to our paediatric cardiology unit. METHODS: A total of 380 children were included. Associated symptoms and past and family histories were evaluated. All patients underwent physical examination. The following studies were performed: complete blood count in all patients; fasting lipid profiles in overweight and obese children and children with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease; and electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and echocardiogram in all patients. If necessary, 24-hour electrocardiogram monitoring or exercise stress tests were performed. Patients with a history of positive psychological findings were evaluated by a child psychiatrist. RESULTS: The most common causes of chest pain were musculoskeletal disorders (37.1%), idiopathic chest pain (29.2%), and miscellaneous disorders, for example precordial catch syndrome (15%), respectively. Only 1 of 380 (0.3%) patients had chest pain due to a cardiac disorder. Electrocardiograms were abnormal in 4 of 380 (1.1%) patients. A total of 9 of 380 patients (2.3%) had dyslipidaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Although a paediatric cardiology referral may provide reassurance to the primary care and emergency department physicians, our results show that cardiac aetiologies for paediatric chest pain are very rare. We think that many patients in our study were adequately evaluated only by careful history, and physical examination. Therefore, we suggest that it may not be necessary to use echocardiogram in the routine evaluation of children with chest pain.

Relationship between left ventricular mass and carotid intima media thickness in obese adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: No data are available examining the relationship between carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and left ventricular mass (LVM) in obese adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, we investigated LVM and carotid IMT in obese adolescents with NAFLD. METHODS: Eighty obese adolescents and 37 lean subjects were enrolled in the study. The obese subjects were divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of fatty liver with high transaminases (NAFLD group and non-NAFLD group). Fasting blood samples were assayed for serum transaminases, glucose and insulin levels. Insulin resistance was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: LVM measurements were higher in both NAFLD and non-NAFLD obese patients in comparison with the lean children. The NAFLD group had significantly higher LVM measurements than the non-NAFLD and lean groups. Carotid IMT was higher in both the NAFLD and non-NAFLD obese patients in comparison with the lean group. The NAFLD group had significantly higher carotid IMT measurements than the non-NAFLD and lean groups. LVM was positively correlated with HOMA-IR and serum alanine aminotransferase levels in the NAFLD obese group. Carotid IMT was positively correlated with HOMA-IR, serum alanine aminotransferase levels and LVM in the NAFLD obese group. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that obese adolescents with NAFLD have increased LVM and carotid IMT and low insulin sensitivity. Obese adolescents with NAFLD and increased carotid IMT may demonstrate a more adverse cardiovascular risk profile and higher LVM. Therefore, assessment of carotid IMT, in addition to echocardiography, may assist in risk stratification in obese adolescents with NAFLD with elevated cardiovascular risk factor levels.

P-wave dispersion in children with acute rheumatic fever.

As a new and simple electrocardiographic marker, P-wave dispersion is reported to be associated with inhomogeneous and discontinuous propagation of sinus impulses. The current study aimed to investigate P-wave dispersion in children with acute rheumatic fever. The study population consisted of 47 children with acute rheumatic fever (29 patients with carditis and 18 patients without carditis) and 31 healthy control subjects. Maximum and minimum P-wave durations were measured from the 12-lead surface electrocardiogram. The P-wave dispersion was calculated as the difference between maximum and minimum P-wave durations. The maximum P-wave duration and the P-wave dispersion of the patients with and without carditis were significantly greater than those of the control subjects. The P-wave dispersion of the patients with carditis was significantly greater than that of the patients without carditis. In conclusion, the P-wave dispersion was higher in the children with acute rheumatic fever than in the healthy control subjects.