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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
RVH
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
RVH
by CJ__0__0, Mar 09, 1999 12:00AM
Hi- I posted here about 6 months ago concerning an echocardiogram that I had that showed a mild RVH. The dr. that answered mentioned that amyloidosis (although rare) could be one of the causes. I have a history of chronic Hepatitis C and had an abdominal ultrasound as a routine check and it showed some calcifications in my spleen. Well the GI dr. also mentioned amyloidosis as a possible cause. I have also developed a peripheral neuropathy (possibly related to the Hepatitis C) and have had an EMG. The neurologist also mentioned amyloidosis as a possible cause. I have talked with the Internist about everyone mentioning amyloidosis , but she doesn't seem very interested. Other than these 3 things that I seem to have developed, would there be some abnormal blood tests with this disease? Could this just be a coincidence that all of these things could be symptoms of amyloidosis, but are not indicative in this case. By the way, I just had a 6 month follow up echo which showed the same thing - mild RVH. I'm certainly not trying to self diagnose, I am just very curious at this point and wonder if I should really ask my dr. to pursue this. Thank you for any advice you could give me.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD APS, Mar 09, 1999 12:00AM
_
Dear CJ,
I understand your concern, but "RVH" is not the usual finding of amyloidosis on an echocardiogram (thickened "speckled appearing" walls of the heart with low voltage criteria on the ecg are the hallmarks of cardiac amyloidosis.)
As long as your internist (or whomever is coordinating all of your care) is aware of all of your diagnosis, it is sufficient to be considering this in each organ or with each abnormal finding, however that is as far as it should go if the pattern does not really fit (i.e. it should just be kept in mind and in your chart.) You really should discuss the diagnosis and why it is not made in your case with your internist (one really shouldn't leave the office with unanswered questions, the internist could easily say " it is just not clear CJ and none of these findings have real significance" as an answer. Amyloidosis is not a treatable disease so be wary of seeking a diagnosis that doesn't fit or better said is not definitive.
I hope this information is useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for
general purposes only. Only your physician can provided specific diagnoses and therapies.
Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please
call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at
www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the
cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your
cardiac problem.
