Diagnosis and Management of Endomyocardial Fibrosis

Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) remains an important cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy worldwide. Patients cluster in specific geographic locations and are almost universally living in extreme poverty. Specific etiology remains elusive and is likely multifactorial. Untreated EMF has a very poor prognosis. Medical management can mitigate symptoms for a time but has no curative benefit. Early surgical interventions may improve survival but are not readily available in most EMF-endemic regions. Increased awareness, advocacy, and research are needed to further understand this neglected tropical cardiomyopathy and to improve survival of those affected.