Vascular Anomalies
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen More than one-third of infants are born with a vascular birthmark.1 Although most of these lesions are benign and uncomplicated, a minority require treatment and inpatient…
PEDIATRICS
Pericarditis
BACKGROUND/PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Print Section Listen Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, a two-layered structure that surrounds the heart. The inner layer adheres to the heart. There is usually about 15…
Sexually Transmitted Infections in Adolescents and Young Adults
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Each year, more than 15 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diagnosed. Almost half of these cases are in adolescents and young adults….
Myocarditis and Cardiomyopathy
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Myocarditis is a pathologic process characterized by inflammation of the myocardium leading to cellular necrosis and myocardial dysfunction. Although often thought of as a viral or…
Infective Endocarditis
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Although infective endocarditis is a relatively uncommon diagnosis in children, it is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population.1 The incidence of…
Acute Rheumatic Fever
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an inflammatory condition manifested by the nonsuppurative sequelae of a preceding group A β-hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. ARF involves the heart,…
Immunoglobulin
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a polyclonal mixture of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that can be administered intravenously. IVIG is used primarily as replacement therapy in a…
Imaging of Child Abuse
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen In 1946 John Caffey described the association of subdural hematomas and skeletal fractures in infants and raised the possibility of maltreatment to explain these injuries.1 Kempe…
Medical Child Abuse: Münchausen Syndrome by Proxy and Other Manifestations
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen TERMINOLOGY Medical child abuse is a complex and controversial area that is the subject of ongoing debate among child abuse pediatricians. The American Academy of Pediatrics…
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common cause for concern in adolescents and often results in visits to healthcare providers and emergency departments.1 Abnormal uterine bleeding…
