Complications of endomyocardial biopsy in children

Endomyocardial biopsy has been used to establish a diagnosis in patients with myocardial dysfunction for over 40 years. The first procedures were performed to detect the presence of inflammation or specific pathologic findings associated with systemic diseases. With the advent of heart transplantation, endomyocardial biopsy became an essential tool in the diagnosis of allograft rejection. Specialized catheters and techniques were developed to allow the procedures to be performed efficiently at minimal risk. Endomyocardial biopsy procedures in infants and children offered additional challenges, and techniques were modified to accommodate smaller heart sizes and vessels.