Loeffler Endocarditis Causing Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF): Characteristic Images and

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Silvia Lupu1,2, Marian Pop3,4, Adriana Mitre1,2

  • 1M3, Medicala V, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania.

Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Loeffler endocarditis, a rare cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), involves eosinophil infiltration and can lead to severe cardiac complications. Diagnosis utilized advanced imaging techniques.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pathology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Loeffler endocarditis is an uncommon cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
  • It results from eosinophil and lymphocyte infiltration of the endomyocardium, leading to thrombus formation and fibrosis.
  • Elevated eosinophil counts, linked to allergies, infections, malignancies, or hypereosinophilic syndrome, trigger this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case study of Loeffler endocarditis diagnosed in a patient with HFpEF.
  • To highlight the diagnostic utility of echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in this rare condition.

Main Methods:

  • Echocardiography was employed to assess cardiac structure and function.
  • Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was utilized for detailed endomyocardial evaluation.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with symptoms consistent with HFpEF.
  • Diagnostic imaging confirmed Loeffler endocarditis as the underlying cause.
  • The condition was characterized by eosinophil infiltration and subsequent endomyocardial changes.

Conclusions:

  • Loeffler endocarditis is a critical differential diagnosis for HFpEF, especially when eosinophilia is present.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are essential to prevent serious complications like heart failure progression, thromboembolism, and arrhythmias.

Keywords:
Loeffler endocarditiscardiac MRIechocardiographyimaging

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