Loasis as a possible trigger of African endomyocardial fibrosis: a case report from Nigeria.

A Nigerian boy, previously in good health, presented with a two-day history of fever with chills; followed on the third day by periorbital swelling, urticarial rash and itching; and on the sixth day by dyspneoa, abdominal swelling and leg swelling. There was clinical, radiological and electrocardiographic evidence of dominant right-sided heart failure. Loa-loa was isolated from the blood and eosinophilia was marked but both were cured by diethylcarbamazine therapy. Heart failure, however, persisted and ended fatally 25 1/2 months later. Endomyocardial fibrosis, more severe on the right sided chambers, but affecting both ventricles was diagnosed. Evidence is presented from the literature to indicate loasis as the trigger of endomyocardial damage in this patient.