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Published on: June 20, 2014
Rapid decline in ejection fraction and persistent elevation of troponin associated with cardiac amyloidosis
Temidayo Abe1, Eric Y Chang1, Gabrielle De Allie1
1Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Insights
Cardiac amyloidosis is a serious cause of heart failure, often underdiagnosed. Early diagnosis using cardiac biomarkers is crucial for improving survival in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Amyloidosis
Background:
- Cardiac amyloidosis is an underdiagnosed cause of heart failure with high mortality.
- Survival is poor in untreated primary light-chain amyloidosis (<1 year) and wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (<4 years).
Observation:
- A unique case of a 78-year-old male with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis is presented.
- The patient exhibited persistently elevated troponin levels.
- He presented with progressive heart failure unresponsive to standard treatments.
Findings:
- The case underscores the critical role of cardiac biomarkers in identifying cardiac amyloidosis.
- Elevated troponin, in the context of heart failure, can be an early indicator.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis through biomarker analysis can lead to timely intervention.
- Improved diagnostic strategies are crucial for managing this underdiagnosed condition.
- Further research into the diagnostic utility of cardiac biomarkers in amyloidosis is warranted.
Abstract:
Cardiac amyloidosis is an increasingly recognized cause of heart failure. It remains underdiagnosed despite a significant morbidity and mortality rate. The mean survival in patients with cardiac amyloidosis is less than 1 year in untreated primary light-chain amyloidosis and less than 4 years in wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis. We report a unique case of a 78-year-old male with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, who presented with persistently elevated troponin and progressive heart failure unresponsive to conventional therapy. With this case, we would like to highlight the role of cardiac biomarkers in the early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis.
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