Pediatric Cardiologist in Jönköping Reported for Misdiagnosing Children and Endangering Patient Safety

A pediatric cardiologist in Jönköping has been formally reported to the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO) after investigations uncovered serious misdiagnoses that led to children with heart conditions being incorrectly declared healthy. Between 2018 and 2022, 500 children's medical records were reviewed; 38 cases were identified with significant issues, and 78 patients were called back for re-evaluation. Seven children were referred to a specialized pediatric heart center in Lund, with three requiring surgery.

The doctor has been linked to the death of an infant heart patient around five months old in 2021, who received an excessively high dosage of medication that should have warranted hospitalization. This case prompted a delayed Lex Maria report, as the family was only informed about the external review findings a year later. Another child fatality involving a school-aged patient was reviewed and found to have no treatment errors. The hospital found major deficiencies in medication management, patient handling, ultrasound interpretation, and adherence to clinical protocols.

Chief physicians Elin Fröding Saric and Helene Åstrand spoke at a press conference revealing these findings. Saric noted “serious deficiencies” including mismanagement of medication and poor patient care. Åstrand emphasized the legal necessity to report any risks to patient safety and confirmed reports have been made both under Lex Maria and individually against the doctor. The cardiologist remains suspended from seeing patients while investigations continue.

Simon Rundquist, head of the children's clinic, explained the cautious approach: “We have chosen to call patients at the slightest uncertainty to avoid missing anything.” Further reviews are expanding to cases from 2014 to 2017, covering an additional 280 children. The region seeks to ensure all affected patients receive proper follow-up treatment and to prevent future lapses in care quality.

This case highlights critical patient safety breaches impacting pediatric cardiology care in Jönköping, prompting ongoing regulatory scrutiny and institutional reforms to safeguard vulnerable children.