[Tropical endomyocardial fibrosis: Perspectives]

Abstract

Tropical endomyocardial fibrosis (FET) is a leading cause of heart failure and the most common restrictive cardiomyopathy worldwide. Extensive fibrosis of the ventricular endocardium causing architectural distortion, impaired filling and valvular insufficiency define the disease. Confined to peculiar and limited geographical areas, the aetiology remains blurred and it carries a grim prognosis. The changing burden reported recently in some endemic areas and the refinement of diagnostic tools have emphasized alternative routes for understanding and treatment of the disease.

Keywords: Africa; Afrique; Cardiopathie restrictive; Cassava; Endomyocardial fibrosis; Eosinophile; Eosinophilia; Fibrose endomyocardique; Manioc; Restrictive cardiomyopathy.