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Loeffler's endocarditis presenting with acute abdominal aortic obstruction.
Sang-Hoon Seol1, Pil-Sang Song, Dong-Kie Kim
1Department of Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea.
Heart, Lung & Circulation
|April 4, 2013
Summary
Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome can cause Loeffler's endocarditis. This case study shows successful treatment of endocardial and aortic involvement using steroids and anticoagulation, resolving eosinophilic infiltration.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Loeffler's endocarditis is a cardiac manifestation of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES).
- HES involves persistent eosinophilia and organ damage, particularly affecting the heart, vasculature, and nervous system.
- Typical cardiac involvement includes endomyocardial fibrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of Loeffler's endocarditis involving the endocardium and aorta.
- To describe the resolution of eosinophilic infiltration without endomyocardial fibrosis.
- To highlight the efficacy of steroids and anticoagulation in managing this condition.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing clinical presentation and diagnostic findings.
- Treatment with corticosteroids and anticoagulation therapy.
- Monitoring of cardiac and vascular involvement.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with endocardial and aortic involvement secondary to HES.
- No evidence of endomyocardial fibrosis was observed.
- Complete resolution of endocardial eosinophilic infiltration was achieved with medical therapy.
Conclusions:
- Loeffler's endocarditis can manifest with endocardial and aortic involvement without fibrosis.
- Steroids and anticoagulation are effective in treating eosinophilic infiltration in Loeffler's endocarditis.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in HES-related cardiac complications.
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