Medical Emergencies · single question
In multiple myeloma, which cardiac complication can result from systemic amyloidosis?
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Correct answer: D. Hypertrophic/restrictive cardiomyopathy
- A. Dilated cardiomyopathy (thin, dilated walls) is associated with viral myocarditis, alcohol, and nutritional deficiencies — not amyloid deposition.
- B. Coronary artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis, not amyloid deposition.
- C. Pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium) is not a direct consequence of amyloidosis.
- D. Multiple myeloma leads to overproduction of immunoglobulin light chains (Bence Jones proteins), which deposit as amyloid in tissues including the myocardium. Cardiac amyloidosis causes a stiff, non-compliant heart → restrictive/hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thick walls, diastolic dysfunction). ✓
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