Diagnostic challenges in systemic amyloidosis: a case report with clinical and laboratorial pitfalls

Currently, there is growing evidence in the literature warning of misdiagnosis involving amyloidosis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Although inducing clinical manifestations outside the peripheral nervous system, light chain and transthyretin amyloidosis may initially present with peripheral neuropathy, which can be indistinguishable from CIDP, leading to a delay in the correct diagnosis. Besides, the precise identification of the amyloid subtype is often challenging. This case report exemplifies clinical and laboratory pitfalls in diagnosing amyloidosis and subtyping amyloid, exposing the patient to potentially harmful procedures.

Amiloidosis cardíaca en un paciente con mieloma múltiple / Cardiac amyloidosis in a patient with multiple myeloma

Resumen La amiloidosis sistémica constituye una enfermedad poco frecuente, donde la infiltración cardíaca es la principal causa de morbimortalidad, sin importar la causa subyacente del depósito amiloide. Se reporta el caso de una paciente femenina de 48 años con síndrome nefrótico, insuficiencia cardíaca e inmunocompromiso, estableciéndose el diagnóstico de amiloidosis primaria con infiltración cardíaca secundaria a mieloma múltiple. Se discute brevemente la enfermedad, la importancia del juicio clínico apoyado en medios diagnósticos y los retos terapéuticos actuales.

Abstract Systemic amyloidosis constitutes a non common disease in which cardiac involvement is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, regardless of the underlying pathogenesis of amyloid production. We present the case of a 48 years old female with nephrotic syndrome, heart failure and immunocompromise in which Primary Amyloidosis with cardiac involvement secondary to Multiple Myeloma is established as diagnosis. The disease is briefly discussed, as well as the value of clinical judgment supported on diagnostic means and the therapeutic challenges now days.