Endomyocardial fibrosis
Endomyocardial fibrosis Definition
Endomyocardial fibrosis otherwise known as EMF is a kind of disease, progressive, which is due to unknown origin or idiopathic that is known to affect the heart seriously. The most obvious feature of this disease is a great change in the lining of the heart cavities known as the endocardium in one or can be both of the chambers of the heart in the lower part. It may also involve the heart valves found between the four chambers of the heart including the tendon-like cords holding the valves to the ventricles. Endomyocardial fibrosis is also similar to Loeffler's disease. Some regard Loeffler's disease as an early stage of the EMF, however, this idea remains to be controversial. This is one form of the Hypereosinophilic syndrome
Endomyocardial fibrosis Diagnosis
There are many diagnostic techniques that are used to diagnose this disease. The most important and most common is blood testing. Next important method is the use of different imaging and diagnostic technology to detect some defects of the heart and others like the valvular dysfunction and arrhythmias by using echocardiography. Chest radiographs may also indicate pleural effusions or fibrosis. Neurological tests like CT scans can also show strokes and increase in the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid.
Endomyocardial fibrosis Symptoms and Signs
Some of the possible symptoms a patient may manifest will include cardiomyopathy, skin lesions, thromboembolic disease, pulmonary disease, neuropathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and reduced ventricular size.
Endomyocardial fibrosis Treatment
Endomyocardial fibrosis is a very rare disorder so there has been no specific treatment established. Treatment usually consists of reducing the eosinophil levels and also by preventing even more damage to the organs. Corticosteroids are also administered like Prednisone. Antineoplastics are also useful for slowing down the production of eosinophil. Surgical treatment or therapy is not always done, although splenectomy helps reduce the pain brought about by the enlarged spleen, prosthetic heart valves are also used as replacement of the defective organic ones. Follow-up care is important for the patient's survival, so the patient should be regularly monitored for any signs of deterioration.