Cardiac amyloidosis

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Heart, section through the middle

Amyloidosis - cardiac; Primary cardiac amyloidosis - AL type; Secondary cardiac amyloidosis - AA type; Stiff heart syndrome; Senile amyloidosis; Amyloidosis - senile

• Palpitations (sensation of feeling heart beat)
• Swelling of legs , ankles, or other part of the body (See: abdominal swelling )
• Excessive urination at night
• Fatigue , reduced activity tolerance
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Trouble breathing while lying down

Some patients may have no symptoms.

It can be difficult to diagnose cardiac amyloidosis, because the signs are not specific, which means they can be related to a number of different conditions.

The health care provider may hear abnormal sounds in the lung (lung crackles) or a heart murmur when listening to your heart and chest with a stethoscope. This may suggest fluid in the lungs, enlargement of the heart, or other illness. A physical exam may reveal a swollen liver and enlarged neck veins. Blood pressure may be low or may drop when you stand up.

The following tests may be used to help diagnose cardiac amyloidosis:

• Echocardiogram
• Chest x-ray
• Chest or abdomen CT scan
• Coronary angiography
• Nuclear heart scans (MUGA, RNV)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

An ECG may show problems with the heart beat or heart signals (conduction disturbance).

A cardiac biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy of another area, such as the abdomen, kidney, or bone marrow, is frequently done to confirm the diagnosis of amyloidosis.

Review Date: 01/17/2007
Reviewed By: Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Private practice specializing in Cardiovascular Disease, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.