[Original case report of amyloidosis with pleural involvement: the role of echocardiography in the diagnosis]

Abstract

Introduction: Amyloidosis is often difficult to diagnose and cardiac involvement worsens the prognosis.

Clinical case: We report the case of a 72-year old man consulting for cardiac failure with pleural effusion. A restrictive cardiomyopathy was discovered by echocardiography, and amyloidosis was then suspected. First histological localization was pleural. Cardiac involvement was confirmed. The diagnosis was supported by digestive and cutaneous localizations. It was an AL amyloidosis. Treatment with melphalan and dexamethasone allowed stabilization during more than six months.

Discussion: This is an original case report, because of the first clinical signs (cardiac failure), the histological proof (pleural histology). Echocardiography is particularly helpful in internal medicine.