RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Recent advances in the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of endomyocardial fibrosis in Africa
JF Heart
JO Heart
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Cardiovascular Society
SP 1481
OP 1487
DO 10.1136/heartjnl-2012-303193
VO 99
IS 20
A1 Ana Olga H Mocumbi
A1 Ayodele O Falase
YR 2013
UL http://heart.bmj.com/content/99/20/1481.abstract
AB Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) continues to be an important and disabling disease in many parts of Africa, although its prevalence has declined in some parts of the continent. Increased access to medical care in general and increased availability of echocardiography in some parts of the continent have led to recognition of the disease in areas in which the disease had not been previously reported, and this has given new insights into its natural history. However, the early manifestations of EMF continue to elude clinicians and researchers, and no progress has been made in defining its aetiology. Advances have, however, been made in establishing the epidemiology and improving clinical diagnosis and management, through modern medical therapy and improved surgical techniques. Research is still required to define clinical, biological and echocardiographic markers of early stages of EMF, so that advances in the knowledge of its pathogenesis and pathophysiology can be made. This will hopefully determine preventive measures and avoid the burden of this debilitating condition in this continent.