Cardiac Amyloidosis Presenting as Recurrent Syncope

Acta Cardiol Sin. 2014 Jan;30(1):86-9.

Abstract

Cardiac amyloidosis is an uncommon disease that is rarely diagnosed clinically. In this study, we present a case of a 63-year-old man with recurrent syncope and elevated troponin I levels. The patient's coronary angiography showed no significant stenosis. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted into the patient due to episodes of ventricular tachycardia. The diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis was made by endomyocardial biopsy. The patient died of a combination of cardiogenic shock and rapid deterioration of renal function. Although cardiac amyloidosis is rarely diagnosed, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with recurrent syncope, because it is potentially treatable.

Key words: Cardiac amyloidosis; Syncope; Troponin I; Ventricular tachycardia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports