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Acute limb ischemia in a patient with cardiac amyloidosis: a case report
Christos Verikokos1, Marika Moschou, Evridiki Karanikola
1Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Agiou Thoma 17, 115 27 Goudi, “Laiko” General Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece. cverikokos@gmail.com
Insights
Peripheral arterial thromboembolism is a rare complication of cardiac amyloidosis. This case highlights the importance of considering amyloidosis in patients presenting with arterial clots, recommending antiplatelet therapy for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cardiac amyloidosis, a systemic disease manifestation, can affect cardiovascular health.
- Arterial thromboembolism is an underreported complication despite theoretical predisposition in cardiovascular amyloidosis.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old woman with cardiac amyloidosis presented with acute limb ischemia.
- Embolectomy was performed, and pathological examination of the embolus confirmed amyloid deposition.
Findings:
- Peripheral arterial thromboembolic events are rare in patients with amyloidosis.
- Amyloid deposition in emboli can cause arterial occlusion.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need to consider amyloidosis in arterial thromboembolism etiology.
- Antiplatelet therapy is recommended for preventing embolism in cardiac amyloidosis patients.
Introduction:
Cardiac amyloidosis is a manifestation of several systemic diseases known as amyloidoses. Arterial thromboembolic complications have not been reported to occur frequently, although the pathophysiology of cardiovascular amyloidosis would theoretically predispose to such manifestations.
Case Presentation:
We present the case of a 52-year-old woman, who suffered from cardiac amyloidosis and was admitted to our hospital for left acute limb ischemia. An urgent embolectomy was performed, improving her clinical condition and the pathologoanatomic examination of the embolus revealed deposition of amyloid.
Conclusion:
Peripheral arterial thromboembolic events in patients with amyloidosis are rare. An antiplatelet treatment is recommended in such patients with cardiac amyloidosis for the prevention of embolism.
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