Resolution of dilated cardiomyopathy in an adolescent with change of a failing highly active antiretroviral drug therapy

BackgroundCardiovascular dysfunction is a recognized complication of HIV infection in children. Cardiac complications of HIV usually occur late in the course of the disease; they may be associated with drug therapy, and hence become more common as therapy and survival improve. Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction at baseline is a risk factor for death independent of the CD4 cell count, HIV viral load, and neurological disease.ConclusionImmunological recovery following a switch of a failing or potentially cardiotoxic HAART in addition to improved HAART adherence may result in resolution of left ventricular dysfunction. Early and regular cardiology evaluation may improve outcomes in these patients.