Ischaemic stroke as the initial manifestation of systemic amyloidosis

Abstract

A previously healthy 54-year-old woman was admitted to the stroke unit with an acute ischaemic stroke attributed to atrial fibrillation newly diagnosed at the emergency room. Nevertheless, preliminary investigation on stroke aetiology revealed incidental hypoalbuminaemia in the context of nephrotic syndrome, while clinically, the patient developed progressive signs of cardiac failure raising the suspicion of an underlying disorder. Systemic amyloidosis was histologically confirmed a few weeks after hospital admission. The rare presentation and non-specific symptom constellation contributed to delayed institution of the appropriated treatment regimen at a point where multiorganic involvement was irreversible leading to death only 2 months after the first manifestation. The presented case reminds us of the importance of always keeping in mind this rarer cause of ischaemic stroke since an early diagnosis remains the key to a more hopeful prognosis.