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Endomyocardial fibrosis causing stroke in a young man

Ali Raza Rajani1, Kosar Hussain, Fahad Omar Baslaib

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. rajani_ali@hotmail.com

BMJ Case Reports
|August 28, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A stroke patient with high eosinophil counts was diagnosed with endomyocardial fibrosis. This condition, identified via cardiac MRI, affects the heart muscle and can lead to serious cardiac events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Ischaemic stroke is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
  • Eosinophilia, an elevated eosinophil count, can be associated with various conditions, including cardiac and neurological disorders.

Observation:

  • A middle-aged Indian male presented with symptoms of ischaemic stroke.
  • Laboratory tests revealed significant eosinophilia (711/mm³).
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) indicated a first-degree heart block with specific abnormalities in chest leads.

Findings:

  • Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed for further cardiac evaluation.
  • These advanced imaging techniques confirmed the presence of endomyocardial fibrosis.
  • Endomyocardial fibrosis is a form of restrictive cardiomyopathy characterized by fibrosis of the subendocardial layer.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential link between eosinophilia, ischaemic stroke, and endomyocardial fibrosis.
  • Early diagnosis and understanding of this association are crucial for effective patient management.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology and treatment strategies for this complex presentation.

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