Retrospective analysis of MR imaging characteristics and demographic characteristics of Tropical Endomyocardial fibrosis in a tertiary care centre in South India

Background Cardiac MR is helpful in the diagnosis and prognosis of endomyocardial fibrosis[EMF]. Among the two types of endomyocardial fibrosis, tropical endomyocardial fibrosis is geographically restricted to tropical parts of Africa, Latin America and in the southern districts of India, especially along the coastal region of Kerala. Various toxic and environmental factors were postulated as the etiopathogenesis of tropical endomyocardial fibrosis. Endomyocardial fibrotic wall thickening of apex and subvalvular regions of one or both ventricles results in restrictive pattern. Typical delayed enhancement pattern is the subendocardial enhancement which is prominent in the apex and extending up to the subvalvular regions