Amyloidosis Flashcards Preview

YR6: CARDIAC > Amyloidosis > Flashcards

Flashcards in Amyloidosis Deck (8)
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1
Q

What is amyloidosis?

A

extracellular +/or intracellular deposition of insoluble abnormal amyloid fibrils that alter normal function of tissues.

2
Q

List 4 risk factors for amyloidosis

A

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Inflammatory polyarthropathy
Chronic infections
IBD

3
Q

How can a histological tissue specimen be confirmed as an amyloid deposit?

A

Binds cotton wool dye (Congo red) + demonstrates green birefringence when viewed under polarised light

4
Q

List 5 symptoms of amyloidosis

A
Fatigue
Weight loss
Dyspnoea on exertion
Easy bruising
Sensory change
5
Q

List 6 signs of amyloidosis

A

Jugular venous distension (high right-sided filling pressure)
Infiltrative/ restrictive cardiomyopathy
Unexplained renal disease
Hepatomegaly
Lower extremity oedema
Postural hypotension.

6
Q

What bedside investigations should be taken in amyloidosis?

A

Urinalysis: proteinuria
FBC: mild anaemia, thrombocytopenia.
Blood film: Howell-Jolly bodies (splenic dysfunction).
U+Es: raised creatinine.
LFTs: raised ALP
Clotting: abnormal in 50% of pts; raised INR, factor X deficiency.
Raised ESR
ECG: low voltage pattern, poor R-wave progression across limb leads

7
Q

What may be found on echocardiography in amyloidosis?

A

Ventricular thickening + reduced ventricle size

8
Q

What technique can be used to identify the form of amyloidosis?

A

Immunofixation electrophoresis