Recent advances in the epidemiology, diagnosis andtreatment of endomyocardialfibrosis in Africa

Abstract

Endomyocardialfibrosis (EMF) continues to be animportant and disabling disease in many parts of Africa,although its prevalence has declined in some parts ofthe continent. Increased access to medical care ingeneral and increased availability of echocardiography insome parts of the continent have led to recognition ofthe disease in areas in which the disease had not beenpreviously reported, and this has given new insights intoits natural history. However, the early manifestations ofEMF continue to elude clinicians and researchers, and noprogress has been made in defining its aetiology.Advances have, however, been made in establishing theepidemiology and improving clinical diagnosis andmanagement, through modern medical therapy andimproved surgical techniques. Research is still required todefine clinical, biological and echocardiographic markersof early stages of EMF, so that advances in theknowledge of its pathogenesis and pathophysiology canbe made. This will hopefully determine preventivemeasures and avoid the burden of this debilitatingcondition in this continent