Ventricular remodeling in Loeffler endocarditis: implications for therapeutic decision making

Eur J Heart Fail. 2005 Oct;7(6):1023-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ejheart.2005.06.004. Epub 2005 Sep 26.

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the morphological and functional evolution of ventricular abnormalities in Loeffler endocarditis.

Methods and results: We describe 5 patients, including 3 with long-term echocardiographic follow-up, in whom apical obliteration due to fibro-thrombotic thickening of the endocardium showed favorable patterns of evolution. In one patient there was almost complete resolution of the obliterative process with consequently increased effective ventricular volume. In two patients formation of a flow-passage in the fibrocalcific apical 'floor' between the main medioventricular cavity and the apical chamber, leading to a 'double-chambered' left ventricle was observed.

Conclusions: Medical therapy and appropriate anticoagulation, can induce favorable long-term ventricular remodeling in Loeffler endocarditis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Decision Making
  • Disease Progression
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / therapy*
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sampling Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Ventricular Function, Left / physiology
  • Ventricular Remodeling / physiology*