Clinical course and risk profile in adolescents with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

We sought to analyze the prevalence, clinical course, and risk profile of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in adolescents with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Patients with clinical onset at 19 years (n = 14) of age and/or patients followed up for or =250 pg/ml (are under the curve 0.88) showed 100% sensitivity, 77% specificity, 62% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value. In conclusion, compared to other clinical, echocardiographic, and biochemical parameters, the combination of advanced NYHA class, electrocardiographic atrial enlargement, and NT-pro-BNP > or =250 pg/ml seem to better predict the risk of adverse events in adolescent with long-term systolic dysfunction