Heterotaxy syndrome is a rare birth defect involving the heart and other internal organs. “Hetero” means different and” taxy” mean arrangement – so the organs have a different arrangement. It is seen in boys and girls equally and can occur in all ethnic groups. Four babies in one million are born with this problem. In heterotaxy syndrome, paired organs like the lungs or kidney are often mirror images of each other instead of having the features of right and left that normally occur.

Children with congenital heart disease may benefit from one of the medically advanced, minimally invasive procedures performed in one of our dedicated pediatric cardiac catheterization labs. Our specialists use catheters, balloons and coils designed uniquely for children and infants to open or dilate narrowed blood vessels and heart valves. Cardiac catheterization procedures may also be used to close areas where blood is not supposed to flow.

Kawasaki disease is a condition that causes high fever and inflammation of the mouth, hands, feet and other areas of the body. The disease causes some of the body’s arteries to become inflamed, including the arteries that feed the heart (coronary arteries). Children with Kawasaki disease are treated with IV immunoglobulin. Even if treated, Kawasaki disease can cause the coronary arteries to enlarge and form aneurysms. An aneurysm is a weak area that tends to pouch out like a balloon. The enlarged vessel allows blood to sit still which can cause a blood clot to form in the coronary artery.

Mitral valve stenosis is when the mitral valve is able to only partially open. The mitral valve is a one-way valve in the left side of the heart that allows blood to fill the left ventricle. With a narrowed opening, less blood fills the left ventricle and there is less blood pumped out to the body. Some children with mild mitral valve stenosis do not show any symptoms at all. Some will experience rapid breathing or slow growth. Older children may have trouble exercising or have to rest frequently. Mitral valve stenosis is often caused by a heart defect present at birth.

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the muscle of the heart, causing it to function poorly. The inflammation is usually caused by a viral infection. Sometimes the patient recovers from the virus, but a process of inflammation started by the virus continues. Myocarditis is mostly seen in young infants. Some infants are exposed to a virus before being born. Treatment for myocarditis is based on treating the symptoms of the heart function. If mild or moderate, medications can help.

Pericarditis is a condition where the sac-like covering around the heart (pericardium) becomes inflamed. This inflammation is usually sudden and short lived. It can cause chest pain. Treatment generally involves anti-inflammatory medications. If the sac becomes too thick from the inflammation, surgery may be necessary. Support Our Biggest Stars Donate and help fund life-saving programs, research and support for our pediatric patients.   

Inova Children’s Heart Center participates in multi-institutional research. Our heart program is currently involved in research to improve our understanding of the functional genomic abnormalities associated with hereditary arrhythmias such as long QT syndrome, CPVT, ARVD, and Brugada Syndrome. Cardiac conditions in children are unique and show variable degrees of expressivity even within families. We are committed to better understanding these unique genetic and genomic factors within families and applying these innovative discoveries in the care we provide.

The Ross procedure is a method of aortic valve replacement in children and young adults. The procedure uses the child's own pulmonary valve to replace the defective aortic valve. A tissue graft (homograft) is placed to carry the blood from the heart to the lungs. It is also called pulmonary autograft for aortic valve replacement. The advantage of the Ross is it provides the potential for growth in children and does not require the use of blood thinners. We try to avoid blood thinners in children, if possible.

Help for parents of babies with complex heart problems Learning you are having a baby is an exciting time. Learning you are having a baby with a complex heart problem is a challenging time, too. At Inova Children's Hospital we have developed a Single Ventricle Program to help you and your family through this journey.

Mended Little Hearts Networking, events, and resources for families of children with any congenital heart defect. National organizations, with local chapters.  | Email:  | Email:  | Email: Pediatric Congenital Heart Association Education, resources, and networking for families of children with any congenital heart defect. National organization, with state chapters.  | Email: Tender Hearts Online networking for families of children with any congenital heart defect. Local northern Virginia support group.