In-Depth Review of Loeffler Endocarditis: What Have We Learned?

Abstract

Loeffler endocarditis, eosinophilic endocarditis or eosinophilic endomyocardial disease are conditions associated with hypereosinophilia and they affect the heart function. Loeffler endocarditis is a rare endomyocardial disorder thought to be caused by eosinophilic damage. The disorder is characterized by inflammatory infiltration, formation of thrombus within cardiovascular system, and ultimately fibrosis of the afflicted area. It can lead to multiple severe complications, including thromboembolic disease, thickening of fibrous tissue in the endocardium of ventricles, valve involvement, apical obliteration, and various heart disorders. Although early clinical intervention can lead to remission, the underlying mechanisms of the disorder remain unresolved. In the present article, we summarise the existing literature concerning Loeffler endocarditis based on PubMed, Web of Science, and other medical databases to conduct an in-depth review of the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, staging, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of Loeffler endocarditis. Meanwhile, we provide novel patients data and clinical figures of Loeffler endocarditis to supplement the understanding of this cardiac disorder. The findings presented in this article provide a basis for further studies and can be used to improve management of the disorder.

Keywords:

• Loeffler endocarditis
• hypereosinophilia
• eosinophils damage

Data Sharing Statement

All data and material generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published study.

Ethics Approval and Consent

All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations, and approved by the Ethics Committee on Biomedical Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University (Number: 2019-755).

Consent for Publication

All authors have approved the manuscript for submission and publication.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no competing interests in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by funding of Science & Technology Department of Sichuan Province (Numbers: 2021YJ0135).