Multiple arterial and venous thromboembolic complications in AL amyloidosis and cardiac involvement: a case report and literature review.
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.
Section of Hematology and Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
Benjamin
B
Freeman
J Mark
JM
Sloan
David C
DC
Seldin
Andrew J
AJ
Cowan
Frederick L
FL
Ruberg
Vaishali
V
Sanchorawala
D000328:Adult; D000682:Amyloid; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000473:pathology; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000682:Amyloid; C035222:amyloid protein AL