Endomyocardial fibrosis in a Zambian

Abstract

The purpose of this communication is to report a proven case of endomyocardial fibrosis 03.M.F.) in a Zambian African. Most of Zambia is situated on a high plateau 4,000 feet or more above sea level. and the country enjoys a temperate climate with sharp differentiation between the rain season (November-April) and the dry season (May-October). Parry (1964, 1965) points out that endomyocardial fibrosis (E.M.F.) has been extensively reported from the hot, wet parts of Africa, but not from the drier or more temperate parts at the northern and southern extremeties of the continent. Brockington et al. (1967) in reviewing the cases of E.M.F. that have been reported in Europeans resident in tropical Africa, state that the disease is one of humid tropical zones in Africa and South America. Cases have also been reported from Ceylon and Malaya (Nagaratnam and Dissanayake, 1959; La'Brooy 1957) and South India and Brazil (W.H.O. Chronicle 1967). Davidson and Ross (1966) briefly described a case from the Ndola General Hospital who at autopsy. was found to have a "thin, fibrotic film covering the endocardium of the left ventricle"` and in whom, microscopically, the endocardium showed fibrosis. Davidson subsequently, (1967), stated that this case was one of E.M.F. A case of endomyocardial fibrosis proved at postmortem is described in a young Zambian African male.This is probably the first well-documented case report of the condition from Southern Africa. It is believed that the condition will not prove to be a rarity locally.