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.

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