Unusual presentation of transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis: A case report of pruritus as a possible initial symptom and challenging diagnosis

Abstract

Key Clinical Message This case emphasizes the significance of cardiac amyloidosis as a potential diagnosis in individuals manifesting with lesion‐free pruritus and normal liver tests. Abstract Amyloidosis is a complex disorder in which misfolded proteins accumulate in various organs of the body. Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) can lead to heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, sudden cardiac death, and deposition of proteins in coronary arteries. Diagnosing CA can be difficult, as the cardiac manifestations of amyloidosis can be similar to more prevalent etiologies. In addition, the accumulation of proteins in soft tissues, including the skin, can cause pruritus. In this paper, we present a 70‐year‐old man with generalized pruritus and no skin lesions, later diagnosed as CA after detecting ascites fluid. This case underscores the importance of considering amyloidosis in patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms, particularly those affecting the skin, and highlights the need for increased awareness of this disease among clinicians.

Keywords

• cardiac amyloidosis
• medically unexplained symptoms
• nonspecific symptoms
• pruritus
• transthyretin amyloidosis