Unveiling the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis in a patient with large pericardial effusion and tamponade

Abstract

Amyloidosis is a clinical disorder caused by extracellular deposition of insoluble fibrils with beta-pleated sheet configuration. The protein misfolding abnormalities result in amyloid fibrils and may manifest as primary, secondary, familial, or senile amyloidosis. Amyloid deposition can occur in multiple organs (e.g. heart, liver, kidney, skin, eyes, lungs, and nervous system), resulting in a variety of clinical manifestations. Cardiac involvement is a progressive disorder resulting in early death due to congestive heart failure and arrhythmias. We report a rare case of cardiac amyloidosis presenting as recurrent pericardial effusion with features of restrictive cardiomyopathy.