Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Performing and Processing FNA of Anterior Fat Pad for Amyloid
Published on: October 31, 2010
Primary amyloidosis with cardiac involvement diagnosed by left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy
Insights
This case study highlights primary amyloidosis, a condition causing nephrotic syndrome and heart failure. Endomyocardial biopsy proved crucial for diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis and guiding treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Oncology
Background:
- Primary amyloidosis can manifest with nephrotic syndrome and progress to heart failure.
- Cardiac involvement in amyloidosis often presents as a restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Early diagnosis is critical for managing systemic amyloidosis.
Observation:
- A patient presented with nephrotic syndrome, followed by heart failure symptoms.
- Hemodynamic data indicated a restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy was performed for diagnostic evaluation.
Findings:
- Histological examination of the endomyocardial biopsy confirmed amyloid deposition in the heart.
- The biopsy findings were pathognomonic for cardiac amyloidosis.
- Chemotherapy regimen included prednisone, penicillamine, melphalan, and fluoxymesterone.
Implications:
- Endomyocardial biopsy is a definitive diagnostic tool for cardiac amyloidosis.
- Accurate diagnosis facilitates timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions.
- This case underscores the importance of considering amyloidosis in patients with unexplained nephrotic syndrome and heart failure.
Abstract:
A case of primary amyloidosis is described. The patient presented with the nephrotic syndrome and later developed heart failure. Left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy was performed and haemodynamic data were recorded. The findings were those of a 'restrictive' cardiomyopathy. Histology of the biopsy was pathognomonic of amyloid involvement of the heart. The patient was started on chemotherapy consisting of prednisone, penicillamine, melphalan and fluoxymesterone. This case demonstrates the ability of endomyocardial biopsy in arriving at a definitive diagnosis in this patient.
More Related Videos
12:24Noninvasive Assessment of Cardiac Abnormalities in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis by Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Imaging in the Mouse
Published on: June 20, 2014
09:16Isolation and Characterization of Cardiac Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Endomyocardial Bioptic Samples of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy Patients
Published on: February 28, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care