Endocardial fibroelastosis
Endocardial fibroelastosis Causes
The possible causes of this disorder are intrauterine viral infection (mumps, coxsackievirus B), subendocardial ischemia, impaired lymphatic drainage of the heart, and systemic carnitine deficiency. Dilated EFE typically occurs when the patient's heart is otherwise found to be normal and there are no other existing cause of the unexplained heart failure, even including the possibility of systemic carnitine deficiency may be demonstrable. Dilated EFE is commonly associated with the atresia or aortic stenosis and also includes ventricular septal defect, coarctation of the aorta, and some anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the main pulmonary artery as well as myocardial injury from any cause, along with carnitine or metabolic deficiency. Contracted EFE is also associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Endocardial fibroelastosis Definition
Endocardial fibroelastosis is a rare heart disorder that is characterized by a thickening within the muscular lining of the heart chambers (the endocardium) due to an increase in the amount of supporting connective tissue and elastic fibers. It is considered to be a rather uncommon cause of some unexplained types of heart failure among infants and children.
Endocardial fibroelastosis Symptoms and Signs
Following symptoms like feeding difficulty, excessive sweating, breathlessness, failure to thrive, and wheezing can be seen on patient with this disorder .
Endocardial fibroelastosis Treatment
Treatment for endocardial fibroelastosis is the same as that of chronic cardiac failure. Also early and prolonged treatment with digoxin is suggested. Anticoagulation may required to be conducted in the possible presence of some thromboembolic complications. Cardiac transplantation are typically the only solution available for patients with end-stage or severe cases of the disease.