Cardiac Amyloidosis- an under-diagnosed cause of heart failure in the elderly

We present the case of an 84-years old man with chest tightness, dyspnoea and ascites. He had a history of dyslipidaemia and ischaemic heart disease. Initial investigations showed severe diastolic dysfunction and elevated PASP on echocardiogram along with elevated serum natriuretic peptides. Further evaluation by MRI scan of heart and endomyocardial biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of senile systemic amyloidosis. He made good progress after treatment with conventional heart failure drugs and is currently under consideration to start on specific medications to slow down the progression of amyloidosis. This case aims to increase clinicians’ awareness of senile amyloidosis as a cause of heart failure in the elderly.
Source: Journal of the Saudi Heart Association - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research