Surgical Management of The Endomyocardial Fibrosis of Right Ventricle Mimicking Tumor with Recurrent Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

Endomyocardial fibrosis is a neglected tropical disease that leads to restrictive cardiomyopathy. Its etiopathogenis is unclear and involves the progression of 3 stages of the disease. Compared with echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging shows better apical visualization of obliteration and thrombus and provides an early diagnosis. However, there is no specific drug therapy, although surgery can increase survival. Therefore, surgical resection of the fibrous and thickened endocardium is recommended for symptomatic patients. The risk of mortality increases as the ratio of endocardial fibrous tissue per body surface rises. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the surgical management of the right-sided endomyocardial fibrosis mimicking tumor with recurrent pulmonary embolism.