Endomyocardial Fibrosis: A Summary of Echo-Diagnosed Cases in a Tertiary Hospital in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a form of restrictive cardiomypathy commonly seen in the sub-tropic region, characterized by apical fibrosis of the ventricles at late stage. Echocardiography was the mainstay of diagnosis. A retrospective view of echocardiographic parameters seen in the EMF cases seen at the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Echocardiography records from September 2010 to December 2015 showed ventricular fibrosis (EMF) in 14 of the 5,992, (2.3/1000) adult patients. Their age ranged between 18 and 73 years. Nine (9) patients had apical fibrosis in the right ventricles, while the remaining five (5) had it in the left ventricles. The mean and standard deviation of age of patients were 41.2 ± 16 years, LVIDD 41.3 ± 17.6mm, RVD 46.3 ± 9.7mm and EF ratio 2.1 ± 1.0. Other results were Deceleration time 188.6 ± 60.2msec, and Tricuspid regurgitation velocity (max) 3.0 ± 1.1 m/sec. EMF was seen in this region though prevalence appeared to be declining. Morbidity and mortality can be reduced if early method of diagnosis is defined.