Multiple arterial and venous thromboembolic complications in AL amyloidosis and cardiac involvement: a case report and literature review

Amyloid. 2012 Sep;19(3):156-60. doi: 10.3109/13506129.2012.694825. Epub 2012 Jun 11.

Abstract

A 41-year-old woman with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) systemic amyloidosis with cardiac and gastrointestinal involvement developed multiple arterial and venous thromboembolic complications. Treatment with unfractionated heparin was complicated by life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding. Work up for hereditary thrombophilia was unrevealing. Treatment with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone combination regimen led to hematologic response without further thromboembolic complications. While thromboembolic complications have been reported in AL amyloidosis and cardiac involvement, this unique case highlights the complexity of the disease, the various pathogenic mechanisms at play and the difficult management decisions necessary in caring for these complex patients. A literature review of thrombembolic complications in patients with amyloidosis is presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amyloid
  • Amyloidosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Amyloidosis / drug therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Femoral Artery / pathology
  • Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Diseases / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Iliac Artery / pathology
  • Radiography
  • Venous Thromboembolism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Venous Thromboembolism / drug therapy

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • amyloid protein AL