Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Performing and Processing FNA of Anterior Fat Pad for Amyloid
09:41

Performing and Processing FNA of Anterior Fat Pad for Amyloid

Published on: October 30, 2010

56.5K

Diagnostic approach to cardiac amyloidosis: A case report

Andreia Fernandes1, Francisca Caetano1, Inês Almeida1

  • 1Serviço de Cardiologia, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra - Hospital Geral, Coimbra, Portugal.

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgao Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology
|April 28, 2016
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of cardiac amyloidosis is presented, highlighting the importance of diagnostic suspicion. This condition, often overlooked, requires thorough investigation for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Systemic amyloidosis can present with cardiac involvement, mimicking other cardiomyopathies.
  • Early diagnosis is crucial for managing advanced heart failure and improving patient outcomes.

Observation:

  • A 78-year-old male with chronic renal disease and atrial fibrillation presented with acute decompensated heart failure.
  • Transthoracic echocardiogram showed impaired left ventricular function, with features overlapping hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Findings:

  • An extensive diagnostic workup, including an abdominal fat pad biopsy, confirmed systemic amyloidosis.
  • The patient's cardiac symptoms were attributed to cardiac amyloidosis.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the necessity of maintaining a high index of suspicion for amyloidosis in patients with unexplained heart failure.
  • Timely diagnosis through appropriate investigations like biopsy can guide targeted therapy and improve prognosis in cardiac amyloidosis.

Keywords:
AmiloidoseAmyloidosisHeart failureHypertrophic cardiomyopathyInsuficiência cardíacaMiocardiopatia hipertróficaMiocardiopatia restritivaRestrictive cardiomyopathy

More Related Videos

Genetic Analysis of Hereditary Transthyretin Ala97Ser Related Amyloidosis06:33

Genetic Analysis of Hereditary Transthyretin Ala97Ser Related Amyloidosis

Published on: June 9, 2018

8.2K
Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction14:19

Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Published on: October 14, 2016

12.1K

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
409
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
755
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
643
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
433
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
775
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
733