Differential Diagnosis for Infiltrative Cardiomyopathy and Pleural Effusions
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Amyloidosis: A group of diseases characterized by the deposition of abnormal proteins (amyloid) in various tissues, including the heart, leading to restrictive cardiomyopathy and potentially causing pleural effusions.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: An inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs, including the heart and lungs, leading to cardiomyopathy and pleural effusions.
- Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder causing excessive iron accumulation in the body, which can lead to cardiomyopathy and potentially pleural effusions.
- Lymphoma: A type of cancer that can infiltrate the heart and lungs, causing cardiomyopathy and pleural effusions.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Malignant Disease (e.g., Metastatic Cancer): Although less common, metastatic cancer can infiltrate the heart and cause cardiomyopathy, and cancer can also cause pleural effusions. Missing this diagnosis could be fatal.
- Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection that can cause pleural effusions and, in rare cases, cardiomyopathy. It's crucial not to miss this diagnosis due to its treatability with antibiotics.
Rare Diagnoses
- Fabry Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can lead to the accumulation of a particular type of fat in the body's cells, affecting the heart and potentially causing cardiomyopathy.
- Gaucher Disease: Another rare genetic disorder that can lead to the accumulation of harmful quantities of certain fats (lipids), potentially affecting the heart and causing cardiomyopathy.
- Eosinophilic Granuloma with Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss Syndrome): A rare autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the heart and lungs, leading to cardiomyopathy and pleural effusions.