We reviewed the clinical spectrum and possible prognostic factors in 14 chi
ldren with restrictive cardiomyopathy. The patients were not homogeneous in
clinical presentation or morphology. The mortality rate was high: 21.4% at
1 year and 50% at 2 years after presentation. Younger patients with respir
atory symptoms, thromboembolism, increased cardiothoracic ratio on chest ra
diogram or patients with endocardial fibroelastosis appear to have a worse
prognosis and orthotopic cardiac transplantation may be indicated.