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[Amyloid cardiomyopathy: A rare cause of cerebral embolism]

A Saux1, C Heroum, C Sportouch

  • 1Service de Neurologie A et Maladies neuro-vasculaires, Centre Gui de Chauliac.

Revue Neurologique
|November 7, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac amyloidosis can manifest as a cerebral embolism, a rare but serious complication. Echocardiography aids in diagnosing this condition, which can be associated with multiple myeloma.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Amyloid cardiopathy, a condition where amyloid protein deposits in the heart, can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
  • Cerebral embolism is a recognized but infrequent complication of cardiac amyloidosis.

Observation:

  • A 55-year-old patient presented with acute right hemiplegia and aphasia, indicative of a middle cerebral artery territory infarction.
  • Echocardiography revealed findings suggestive of amyloid cardiopathy.
  • Diagnostic workup identified IgG lambda multiple myeloma and renal insufficiency.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced a fatal sudden cardiac event four months after initiating chemotherapy for multiple myeloma.
  • This case highlights the potential for cerebral embolic events in patients with amyloid cardiopathy.

Implications:

  • Early suspicion and diagnosis of amyloid cardiopathy, potentially through echocardiography, are crucial for managing embolic risks.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac amyloidosis in patients presenting with cryptogenic stroke, especially those with underlying plasma cell dyscrasias.
Abstract

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