A Challenging Differential Diagnosis: Distinguishing between Endomyocardial Fibrosis and Apical Hypertrophic
Cintia Prado Maia1, Luís Gustavo Gali1, André Schmidt1
1Internal Medical Department, Cardiology Center, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo University, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Insights
Endomyocardial fibrosis, a cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy, involves fibrous tissue deposition in ventricles. Cardiac imaging is crucial for distinguishing it from apical hypertrophy, especially in complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) causes restrictive cardiomyopathy, predominantly in tropical regions.
- It affects ventricular diastolic function and atrioventricular valves, with varied clinical presentations.
Observation:
- A challenging case presented with indeterminate echocardiographic findings suggestive of apical hypertrophy.
- The patient also had severe aortic stenosis and left ventricular outflow tract fibrosis.
Findings:
- Electrocardiogram showed symmetrical T-wave inversion, a sign of apical hypertrophy.
- Cardiac imaging, including echocardiography and MRI, proved vital in differentiating EMF from apical hypertrophy.
Implications:
- Accurate differentiation between EMF and apical hypertrophy is critical for appropriate patient management.
- This case underscores the diagnostic utility of advanced cardiac imaging in complex cardiovascular conditions.
Abstract:
Endomyocardial fibrosis, which is a cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy, is characterized by the deposition of fibrous tissue in the apical region of 1 or both ventricles. The condition not only affects the diastolic dynamics of the ventricles, but also the function of the atrioventricular valves. The disease occurs predominantly in tropical regions worldwide and in sub-Saharan Africa. This condition is not well understood, with varied manifestations, from subclinical presentations to chronic and progressive edematous syndromes. Here, we present the challenging case of a patient with an indeterminate echocardiographic image, suggesting apical hypertrophy, plus severe aortic stenosis and fibrosis of the left ventricular outflow tract. An electrocardiogram revealed symmetrical T-wave inversion, which is a characteristic manifestation of apical hypertrophy. The importance of cardiac imaging examinations such as echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance for differentiating between endomyocardial fibrosis and apical hypertrophy is highlighted in this patient's case.
More Related Videos
10:21Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
Published on: June 14, 2016
12:45Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
