[Senile amyloidosis of the heart].

Abstract

A morphologic study of 376 hearts from individuals who died between 75 and 98 years of age demonstrated senile amyloidosis of the heart in 307 (82%) of the cases, using the Congo red stains for polarized light studies and the thiosine red for luminescent microscopy. The frequency of cardiac amyloidosis detection increased with age, and reached 100% in those above 90. Clinico-anatomical correlations showed repolarization changes to be the most common findings (80%), followed by arrhythmia (over 50%), conductivity disorders and reduced voltage of electrocardiographic waves. Chronic heart failure was less common (about 10%). In most cases, moderately marked coronary atherosclerosis was also found at autopsy. Amyloidosis was thought to be making a more significant contribution towards myocardial lesions, as compared to atherosclerosis, in elderly people above 85 years of age.

• Authors: V N Kukushkin, V S Moiseev, E L Polotskaia, G F Tertychnaia
• Journal: Kardiologiia (Kardiologiia) Vol. 26 Issue 2 Pg. 25-9 (Feb 1986) ISSN: 0022-9040 [Print] Russia (Federation)
• Vernacular Title: Senil'nyĭ amiloidoz serdtsa.
• PMID: 3702192 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Age Factors
• Aged
• Amyloidosis (complications, diagnosis, pathology)
• Arrhythmias, Cardiac (complications)
• Cardiomyopathies (complications, diagnosis, pathology)
• Coronary Disease (complications)
• Electrocardiography
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Myocardium (pathology)