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

Cases Journal
|November 18, 2009
PubMed

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.
Abstract

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