Decompensated Heart Failure as the Initial Presentation of Multiple Myeloma: A Case Report

Cureus. 2022 Sep 27;14(9):e29658. doi: 10.7759/cureus.29658. eCollection 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Amyloid deposition in the setting of multiple myeloma (MM) is a well-documented phenomenon. In this paper, we present the rare case of a 62-year-old male who presented with decompensated heart failure in the setting of cardiac amyloid deposition as the initial presentation of MM. The patient presented to the emergency department with two weeks of worsening lower extremity edema. Laboratory exam revealed elevated troponin I, elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), macrocytosis, increased urine protein/creatinine ratio, and a monoclonal peak on both serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP). Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed findings suggestive of amyloidosis. Abdominal fat pad biopsy confirmed amyloid deposition. The patient did not have other symptoms typically seen in multiple myeloma, such as fatigue or weakness, bone pain, or weight loss. In conclusion, we present a rare case of decompensated heart failure in the setting of amyloidosis as the initial presentation of multiple myeloma.

Keywords: al amyloidosis; cardiac amyloidosis; echocardiography; heart failure; multiple myeloma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports