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Updated: Oct 15, 2025

Genetic Analysis of Hereditary Transthyretin Ala97Ser Related Amyloidosis
Published on: June 9, 2018
Delayed Diagnosis of Cardiac Amyloidosis Secondary to Multiple Myeloma
Ahmad Qatanani1, Shereen Dahab1, Steven Douedi1
1Department of Medicine, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ 07753, USA.
Insights
Cardiac amyloidosis, a rare condition, can rapidly cause heart failure before multiple myeloma symptoms appear. Early diagnosis is crucial for patients presenting with new-onset congestive heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare, aggressive condition with poor prognosis.
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common presentation, particularly in older adults.
- Median survival after CHF onset is approximately six months.
Observation:
- An 83-year-old male presented with symptoms of new-onset congestive heart failure (CHF).
- Echocardiogram showed strain patterns indicative of cardiac amyloidosis.
- Bone marrow biopsy confirmed multiple myeloma.
Findings:
- The patient's cardiac amyloidosis was secondary to multiple myeloma.
- Despite prompt treatment with chemotherapy and steroids, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated.
- The case highlights that cardiac amyloidosis can precede overt multiple myeloma symptoms.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac amyloidosis in elderly patients with unexplained, rapidly progressing CHF.
- Early detection of secondary cardiac amyloidosis may allow for timely intervention, potentially improving outcomes.
- Further research into the early diagnostic markers and treatment strategies for myeloma-related cardiac amyloidosis is warranted.
Abstract:
Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare condition with only 2,500 new cases reported yearly in the United States of America (USA). The prognosis of cardiac amyloidosis is particularly grim. The median survival is 6 months from onset of congestive heart failure (CHF) symptoms. CHF is a common presentation as the second leading cause of hospitalization in the senile population in the USA. We report a case of an 83-year-old man who presented with the classic symptoms of CHF including bilateral lower extremity edema, shortness of breath, and weight gain. Upon further workup, an echocardiogram revealed strain patterns suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis and bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Unfortunately, despite starting treatment with steroids and chemotherapy, the patient succumbed to his condition in a matter of weeks. We report this case to highlight that cardiac amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma can present in the form of new onset, quickly deteriorating CHF long before any classic multiple myeloma symptoms manifest.
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