Incremental Value of 3D and Contrast Echocardiography in Evaluation of Endocardial Fibroelastosis and Multiple Cardiovascular Thrombi

Abstract

Background: Endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) is a rare heart disease characterized by the thickening of the endocardium caused by massive proliferation of collagenous and elastic tissue, usually leading to impaired cardiac function. Thrombosis is a complication of EFE that suggests poor prognosis.Case presentation: The present report describes an EFE patient with multiple cardiovascular thrombi. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of three-dimensional (3D) and contrast echocardiography use in EFE with multiple ventricular thrombi. The clinical features and outcomes of this rare condition between 1966 and 2019 are also reviewed.Conclusions: Through the combination of 3D and contrast echocardiography, the thrombus can be displayed more accurately and vividly, including its nature and density and the connection between the base of the thrombus and ventricular wall. EFE prognosis with left ventricular thrombus is generally poor.