Navigating the Diagnostic and Management Challenges of Suspected Cardiac Amyloidosis in Resource-Limited Settings: Ethiopia Experience

Abstract

This report discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic complexities encountered in resource-limited environments when assessing patients suspected of cardiac amyloidosis (CA). The study describes a case involving a patient who initially presented with heart failure symptoms and eventually received a CA diagnosis after 13 months and four primary physician visits, primarily based on discrepancies observed between electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings, alongside elevated cardiac troponin levels. The case underscores the limited awareness of CA among primary healthcare providers in Ethiopia, contributing to a higher likelihood of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment approaches. Additionally, the report discusses the specific challenges associated with diagnosing and managing CA patients. It advocates for essential resources such as heightened clinical suspicion, proficiency in recognizing the characteristic electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiographic indicators of CA, and prompt referral to cardiologists.