Sudden death due to eosinophilic endomyocardial diseases: three case reports
Arzu Akcay Turan1, Ferah Karayel, Elif U Akyildiz
1Ministry of Justice, Council of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. arzu_turantr@yahoo.com
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|March 5, 2009
Summary
Eosinophils can extensively infiltrate heart tissue, leading to rapid heart failure and death. This study highlights three cases of severe eosinophilic heart disease without endomyocardial fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Eosinophils are immune cells implicated in allergic reactions, parasitic infections, and certain cancers.
- Cardiac tissue is particularly susceptible to eosinophil infiltration and damage.
- Eosinophilic heart disease can manifest without the typical finding of endomyocardial fibrosis.
Observation:
- Three cases of extensive eosinophilic infiltration of the heart are presented.
- Patients experienced a rapid clinical course culminating in severe heart failure.
- No endomyocardial fibrosis was observed in any of the cases.
Findings:
- The study details the pathology of eosinophilic infiltration in cardiac tissue.
- Rapidly progressive heart failure was the primary cause of mortality.
- Etiologies considered included bronchial asthma, hydatid disease, drug reactions, and idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome.
Implications:
- This research underscores the critical role of eosinophils in cardiac pathology.
- It emphasizes the potential for severe cardiac damage and fatality from eosinophilic infiltration.
- The findings contribute to understanding diverse presentations of hypereosinophilic syndromes.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
01:25Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
01:30Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...