Primary amyloidosis with cardiac involvement diagnosed by left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy.

A case of primary amyloidosis is described. The patient presented with the nephrotic syndrome and later developed heart failure. Left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy was performed and haemodynamic data were recorded. The findings were those of a 'restrictive' cardiomyopathy. Histology of the biopsy was pathognomonic of amyloid involvement of the heart. The patient was started on chemotherapy consisting of prednisone, penicillamine, melphalan and fluoxymesterone. This case demonstrates the ability of endomyocardial biopsy in arriving at a definitive diagnosis in this patient.