Stiff Heart Syndrome

Abstract

Isolated cardiac amyloidosis, or “Stiff Heart Syndrome”, is a rare manifestation of amyloidosis. Some degree of cardiac amyloid deposition is common in elderly patients, as reported in prior post-mortem studies; however, isolated cardiac involvement with predominantly cardiac symptoms and no evidence of systemic disease is a rare presentation. Establishing the correct diagnosis, even with the use of extensive testing including amyloid typing, understanding the clinical significance, and management can be challenging in such cases.