The authors report the case of a cardiac tumour documented by 2 D echocardiography, presenting in the newborn with cardiac arrest. The echocardiographic features of multiple nodules disseminated in the ventricular walls suggested a diagnosis of rhabdomyoma. The initial course was complicated by poorly tolerated attacks of tachycardia which were rapidly brought under control with amiodarone. The long term outcome was clinically favourable with a rapid regression of the number and size of the tumours on echocardiography, and a tendency to normalisation of the electrocardiogramme. The possibility of regression, which has already been reported by many investigators, suggests that these cardiac tumours may have a better prognosis than previously thought.