Endomyocardial Fibrosis: an Update After 70  Years

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims at highlighting the need to better understand the pathogenesis and natural history of endomyocardial fibrosis when set against its changing endemicity and disease burden, improvements in diagnosis, and new options for clinical management.Recent FindingsProgress in imaging diagnostic techniques and availability of new targets for drug and surgical treatment of heart failure are contributing to earlier diagnosis and may lead to improvement in patient survival.SummaryEndomyocardial fibrosis was first described in Uganda by Davies more than 70  years ago (1948). Despite its poor prognosis, the etiology of this neglected tropical restrictive cardiomyopathy still remains enigmatic nowadays. Our review reflects on the journey of scientific discovery and construction of the current guiding concepts on this mysterious and fascinating conditio n, bringing to light the contemporary knowledge acquired over these years. Here we describe novel tools for diagnosis, give an overview of the improvement in clinical management, and finally, suggest research themes that can help improve patient outcomes focusing (whenever possible) on novel players coming into action.
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research