ABSTRACT
The clinical data of 76 children with EFE admitted from June, 1998 to December, 2009 was retrospectively analyzed. Tachypnea、 cough and cyanosis were common and all presented with heart failure. Electrocardiogram revealed sinus tachycardia 、left ventricular hyperthrophy and ST-T alterations. On chest radiograph 54 cases (54/76) had a cardiothoracic ratio ＞ 0. 65 and 33 with pneumonia.Echocardiopraphy revealed lowered left ventricular systolic function in all cases and decreased left ventricular diastolic function in 21 (21/76). 63 cases (63/76) presented with thickened and enhanced left ventricular endocardium and 11 (11/76) with thickened interventricular septals. All were treated with digitalis. 58children were improved and discharged, 10 gave up therapy and 8 died during hospitalization. 41 out of 58 improved cases were followed for 1 - 4 years, with 2. 6 years on average. Among them 28 were clinically cured, 7 deteriorated and 6 died of heart failure. Echocardiography is of diagnostic value for ERE. Systolic and diastolic function of the heart can be used to predict the outcome. Pulmonary infection is a major risk factor associated with deterioration. Long-term treatment is imperative to improve the prognosis.