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Cardiac amyloidosis presumptively diagnosed as cardiac syndrome X

Atsuhiko Yagishita1, Shuzou Tanimoto, Kengo Tanabe

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Mitsui Memorial Hospital, 1 Kanda-Izumi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

Circulation Journal : Official Journal of the Japanese Circulation Society
|January 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac amyloidosis can mimic cardiac syndrome X, presenting as angina without significant coronary artery blockages. Autopsy revealed amyloid deposits causing obstruction, leading to heart failure and death.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Cardiac amyloidosis is a progressive disease that can lead to heart failure.
  • Cardiac syndrome X is characterized by angina pectoris with normal coronary arteries.

Observation:

  • A 75-year-old man initially diagnosed with cardiac syndrome X presented with worsening angina.
  • Despite medical management, his condition progressed to congestive heart failure.

Findings:

  • Autopsy revealed amyloid deposits primarily in intramyocardial coronary arteries, causing luminal obstruction.
  • Minimal amyloid infiltration was noted in epicardial coronary arteries and myocardium.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering cardiac amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis of cardiac syndrome X.
  • Accurate diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis.

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