ABSTRACT
Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare but increasingly recognized condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in cardiac tissue, leading to structural and functional heart impairment. This infiltrative cardiomyopathy often mimics more common cardiac conditions, posing significant diagnostic challenges. Particularly deceptive is its presentation as non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), where the clinical overlap necessitates considering amyloidosis in differential diagnoses. A 75-year-old male presented with muscle weakness, respiratory infection symptoms, and elevated cardiac enzymes. His history included a recent hospitalization for NSTEMI, with normal coronary angiography. Initial evaluations showed elevated troponin and CRP levels. A comprehensive cardiac assessment revealed a dilated ascending aorta, moderate systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction (LV-EF), 47%), and asymmetrical interventricular septal thickening, suggesting hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or amyloidosis. The patient improved and was referred for further specialized care. Cardiac amyloidosis can mimic acute coronary syndrome (ACS), presenting with chest pain and elevated cardiac biomarkers. Differentiation is critical as amyloidosis involves myocardial infiltration by amyloid proteins, leading to restrictive cardiomyopathy. Advanced imaging techniques like cardiac MRI and nuclear scintigraphy are essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, impacting therapeutic strategies and patient outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) encompasses a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance, hypertension, abdominal obesity, and dyslipidemia, increasing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risks. Cellulite, a cosmetic condition marked by dimpled skin, predominantly affects women and shares risk factors with MetS, such as obesity and hormonal imbalances. This review examines the potential link between MetS and cellulite, focusing on shared pathophysiological pathways and implications for clinical practice and future research. Common factors such as inflammation, hormonal changes, and adipose tissue dysfunction are explored. The review highlights the importance of longitudinal studies to track cellulite progression in MetS patients, biomarker identification for early detection, intervention trials to assess therapeutic efficacy, mechanistic studies to elucidate underlying pathways and the impact of comorbidities on cellulite development. Understanding these relationships can enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for both MetS and cellulite, addressing significant public health and cosmetic concerns.