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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

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Published on: October 14, 2009
Endomyocardial fibrosis with ischaemic stroke
Hugo Mays1, Rory Durand2, Habitha Sulaiman3
1Cardiology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland hugomays@outlook.com.
Insights
This case study highlights endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) presenting as a left ventricular thrombus in a stroke patient. Early diagnosis via cardiac MRI is crucial for managing this rare cardiac condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Ischemic stroke diagnosis and management.
- Cardiac abnormalities as a cause of stroke.
- Role of advanced cardiac imaging in stroke workup.
Observation:
- A middle-aged male presented with acute ischemic stroke symptoms.
- Initial investigations revealed left middle cerebral artery infarction and diffuse T-wave inversion.
- Cardiac imaging identified endomyocardial fibrosis with a left ventricular thrombus.
Findings:
- Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) was diagnosed via Cardiac MRI.
- A left ventricular thrombus was found adherent to the EMF.
- The patient successfully recovered from the stroke after thrombolysis and anticoagulation.
Implications:
- Endomyocardial fibrosis should be considered in stroke patients with cardiac abnormalities.
- Cardiac MRI is vital for diagnosing EMF and associated thrombi.
- Integrated cardiological and neurological management is essential for favorable outcomes.
Abstract:
A Caucasian man in his mid-50s presented to the emergency department with sudden onset right-sided weakness and dysarthria. CT angiogram demonstrated a small volume of left middle cerebral artery territory infarction after which the patient underwent successful thrombolysis. Initial ECG showed diffuse T wave inversion. He was admitted to an acute stroke ward where 72 hours of telemetry demonstrated normal sinus rhythm without arrhythmia. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed a reduced ejection fraction of 47% in the absence of any regional wall motion abnormality. An echogenic mass was noted in the apical inferior septal wall. Cardiac MRI demonstrated circumferential mid to apical endocardial thickening with characteristic appearances consistent with endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF). Furthermore, a visible hypointensity in the apex confirmed left ventricular thrombus adherent to the area of EMF. The patient was started on anticoagulation and heart failure therapy. He has recovered from the ischaemic stroke and is currently under outpatient surveillance.
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