Dear Colleagues,
In recent decades, we have witnessed extraordinary progress both in the field of
congenital heart diseases and of cardiomyopathies. These advances are largely driven
by early cardiac surgery and interventional procedures, currently performed in very
young patients, as well as exciting improvements in diagnostic tools, from advanced
imaging to genetics. Tailored, disease-modifying therapies are on the horizon.
Nevertheless, heart failure in children and adolescents remains largely uncharted
territory in cardiovascular medicine. Research initiatives in pediatric cohorts are
limited, and management is often based on a one-size-fits-all adaptation of adult
guidelines. Conversely, an age-specific and evidence-based approach is sorely needed.
A more comprehensive approach to the problem will require multidisciplinary,
concerted efforts, uniting the two most prominent areas in pediatric heart failure:
congenital heart disease and genetic cardiomyopathies.
This symposium has been designed to gather international experts from these two
different but complementary perspectives and promote constant interaction with the
audience. We hope that the synergy of such rich and diverse areas of expertise will help
advance the field and improve the outlook of our youngest patients.
Welcome to Florence!
The Course Directors