Fatal Subacute Hepatic Failure in a Patient with AA-Type Amyloidosis: Case Report

Ibrahim Altraif1, Fayaz A Handoo, Khaled O Alsaad

  • 1Department of Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation, King Abdulaziz Medical City, P.O. Box 22490, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia.

Insights

Systemic amyloidosis of amyloid-associated protein (AA) type rarely causes severe liver disease. This case highlights a rare presentation of fatal subacute hepatic failure due to AA-type amyloidosis.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Pathology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Systemic amyloidosis of amyloid-associated protein (AA) type, also known as secondary or reactive amyloidosis, commonly affects the liver.
  • However, clinically apparent liver disease is an infrequent manifestation of AA amyloidosis.

Observation:

  • A 69-year-old man presented with subacute hepatic failure.
  • This clinical presentation led to a fatal outcome.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with systemic amyloidosis of AA type.
  • Hepatic involvement presented unusually as fatal subacute hepatic failure, a rare clinical manifestation.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering AA-type amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained hepatic failure.
  • Recognizing this rare presentation is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of hepatic amyloidosis.

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