endomyocardial fibrosis

Last reviewed 01/2018

This is a disease of unknown aetiology that affects African children and young adults.

Pathologically, it is characterized by:

• fibrosis of endocardium which may extend to include the inner third of the myocardium
• inflammatory infiltration at the junction between scar and normal myocardium

Scar contraction reduces ventricular volume and results in a restrictive cardiomyopathy. The mitral and tricuspid valves may be involved.

Endomyocardial fibrosis may occur in association with eosinophilic endomyocardial disease in temperate zones.