Obliterative cardiomyopathy is a rare form of restrictive cardiomyopathy affecting the endocardium of one or both ventricles.
Pathology and clinical features
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Endocardial thrombosis and fibrosis gradually obliterate the ventricular cavities with fibrous tissue.
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The mitral and tricuspid valves become regurgitant. Heart failure and pulmonary and systemic embolism are prominent features.
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Eosinophilia may accompany the disease, which can occur in eosinophilic leukaemia and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, formerly called Churg–Strauss syndrome.
Prognosis and treatment
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In tropical countries, the disease may account for up to 10% of cardiac deaths. Prognosis is poor, with 50% mortality within 2 years of diagnosis.
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Anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy reduce embolic risk, while diuretics treat heart failure.
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Selected patients may benefit from tricuspid and/or mitral valve replacement with decortication of the endocardium.