Overview
Loeffler endocarditis, also called Loeffler's endocarditis or eosinophilic endomyocardial disease, is a rare and serious heart condition caused by a buildup of a type of white blood cell called eosinophils inside the heart muscle and its inner lining. When too many eosinophils collect in the heart, they release toxic substances that damage the heart tissue over time. This leads to scarring and thickening of the inner walls of the heart, which makes it harder for the heart to fill with blood and pump properly. The condition is named after Wilhelm Loeffler, the physician who first described it. The disease usually develops in people who already have a condition that causes very high eosinophil levels in the blood, such as hypereosinophilic syndrome, certain parasitic infections, allergic disorders, or some blood cancers. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, and irregular heartbeat. As the disease progresses, it can lead to heart failure and blood clots. Treatment focuses on lowering eosinophil levels using corticosteroids or other medicines, managing heart failure symptoms, and preventing dangerous blood clots. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove scar tissue from the heart. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important because the disease can worsen quickly if left untreated.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying flatSwelling in the legs, ankles, or feetUnusual tiredness or fatigueIrregular or rapid heartbeat (palpitations)Chest pain or discomfortDry coughReduced ability to exerciseDizziness or lightheadednessSudden weakness or numbness (if a blood clot travels to the brain)Weight gain from fluid buildupFever or general feeling of being unwell
Clinical phenotype terms (27)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Loeffler endocarditis.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Loeffler endocarditis.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Loeffler endocarditis.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is causing my high eosinophil levels, and has the FIP1L1-PDGFRA gene change been tested for?,How much damage has already been done to my heart, and is any of it reversible?,Should I be on blood thinners, and what are the risks and benefits for me specifically?,What warning signs should make me go to the emergency room right away?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?,How often do I need follow-up echocardiograms or cardiac MRIs to monitor my heart?,What lifestyle changes — such as diet, activity level, or fluid restriction — should I make right now?
Common questions about Loeffler endocarditis
What is Loeffler endocarditis?
Loeffler endocarditis, also called Loeffler's endocarditis or eosinophilic endomyocardial disease, is a rare and serious heart condition caused by a buildup of a type of white blood cell called eosinophils inside the heart muscle and its inner lining. When too many eosinophils collect in the heart, they release toxic substances that damage the heart tissue over time. This leads to scarring and thickening of the inner walls of the heart, which makes it harder for the heart to fill with blood and pump properly. The condition is named after Wilhelm Loeffler, the physician who first described it.
How is Loeffler endocarditis inherited?
Loeffler endocarditis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Loeffler endocarditis typically begin?
Typical onset of Loeffler endocarditis is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.