Pulmonary hypertension and amyloidosis--an uncommon association: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Only a limited number of patients with amyloidosis and pulmonary hypertension have been reported in the literature. We report a 73-year-old female with AL type amyloidosis who developed respiratory insufficiency and right heart failure because of severe pulmonary hypertension. There were no signs of cardiac involvement with amyloid or findings consistent with interstitial lung disease. Previous reports of pulmonary hypertension without an apparent parenchymal lung or myocardial involvement with amyloidosis are summarized. Pulmonary hypertension due to deposition of amyloid in the pulmonary vasculature is an uncommon finding; however, it should be considered in cases of unexplained pulmonary hypertension in patients with amyloidosis.