Rapid amyloid infiltration of the heart.

In a 63-year-old patient, echocardiography on initial evaluation showed normal left ventricular function and dimensions and seven months later revealed characteristic amyloid infiltration pattern associated with symptoms of congestive heart failure. Normal left ventricular hemodynamics had changed to a classic restrictive physiology associated with elevated ventricular diastolic pressures. Amyloid deposition was documented by endomyocardial right ventricular biopsy. The rapidity with which cardiac amyloid deposition can occur was demonstrated.