Cardiac amyloidosis case study one


 * Associate Editor:

Clinical Summary
This 87-year-old black male diabetic was admitted for amputation of the lower extremity involved by atherosclerotic gangrene and osteomyelitis. Following amputation, the patient's course was one of progressive deterioration. Laboratory studies immediately prior to death revealed a blood glucose of 840 mg/dL and a serum CO2 (bicarbonate) of 8.5 mmol/L.

Autopsy Findings
The heart weighed 540 grams. The endocardial surface of both atria presented a mottled gray-red and gray-white appearance. Multiple sections through the myocardium revealed a marked 'pallor' of the muscle.