Endomyocardial fibrosis: past, present, and future
Andre Rodrigues Duraes1, Yasmin de Souza Lima Bitar2, Leonardo Roever3
1Medical School, FAMEB, Federal University of Bahia, UFBA, XV de Novembro Square, s/n - Largo do Terreiro de Jesus, Salvador, Bahia, 40025-010, Brazil. andreduraes@gmail.com.
Heart Failure Reviews
|August 16, 2019
Summary
Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a rare heart condition affecting tropical regions. While its cause is unknown, it leads to severe heart failure, but surgical intervention can improve survival in advanced cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Tropical Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a neglected idiopathic heart disorder prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
- It involves fibrotic thickening of the endocardium and myocardium, leading to heart failure.
- Historically, EMF caused up to 20% of heart failure cases in endemic African areas, though recent incidents have decreased.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the characteristics, challenges, and treatment outcomes of endomyocardial fibrosis.
- To highlight the diagnostic features and grim prognosis associated with EMF.
- To discuss the role of surgical intervention in managing advanced heart failure due to EMF.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on endomyocardial fibrosis.
- Analysis of pathological characteristics and clinical presentation of EMF.
- Evaluation of treatment strategies and survival rates for EMF patients.
Main Results:
- EMF is characterized by extensive ventricular endocardial fibrosis, causing architectural distortion, impaired filling, and valvular insufficiency.
- The etiology and pathogenesis of EMF remain poorly understood.
- Despite challenging medical care, surgical intervention can improve survival in advanced heart failure cases.
Conclusions:
- Endomyocardial fibrosis is a serious idiopathic heart disease with a poor prognosis, particularly in advanced stages.
- Understanding the pathology and improving management strategies are crucial for patient outcomes.
- Surgical options offer a potential for increased survival in selected patients with advanced EMF-related heart failure.
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