Case Report: When peripheral neuropathy meets hoarseness and cough: a diagnostic challenge and insights from a case of late-onset ATTRv - Report - MDSpire

Diagnostic Dilemmas in Late-Onset ATTRv: A Case Study of Peripheral Neuropathy Accompanied by Hoarseness and Cough

  • By

  • Lei Chen

  • Ling Zhu

  • Ye Deng

  • Ying Yuan

  • Wei Zhang

  • Yuting Fan

  • Long Luo

  • July 17, 2026

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Clinical Report: Diagnostic Dilemmas in Late-Onset ATTRv

Background

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a progressive disease caused by mutations in the TTR gene, leading to significant clinical variability and often delayed diagnosis. The p.Ala117Ser mutation is particularly prevalent in certain populations and can present with atypical symptoms, complicating the diagnostic process. Recognizing these atypical features is crucial for timely intervention.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data available in the article.

Key Findings

  • The patient exhibited insidious-onset peripheral neuropathy, hoarseness, and cough over two years.
  • Multiple consultations with specialists did not yield a definitive diagnosis until cardiac imaging and genetic testing were performed.
  • Electrocardiography revealed low limb lead voltages, and echocardiography indicated increased echogenicity in the left ventricular wall.
  • 99mTc-pyrophosphate scintigraphy confirmed cardiac amyloid deposition.
  • The p.Ala117Ser mutation is associated with late-onset ATTRv, often misdiagnosed due to its atypical presentations.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis in patients with unexplained peripheral neuropathy, especially when accompanied by atypical symptoms like hoarseness and cough. Early integration of cardiac imaging and genetic testing can facilitate timely diagnosis.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical symptoms in diagnosing late-onset ATTRv. Prompt diagnostic measures can reduce the time to diagnosis.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2016 -- Rare instance of cardiac ATTR amyloidosis associated with situs inversus totalis
  2. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- How we diagnose and treat hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis with polyneuropathy in the Balkan region: an expert opinion
  3. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- A diagnostic challenge of dual atrioventricular nodal nonreentrant tachycardia revealed by ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring: a case report
  4. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2022 -- Early Detection of Cardiac Transthyretin Amyloidosis: Evaluating Imaging Techniques
  5. Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis Evaluation and Management: 2025 ACC Concise Clinical Guidance | JACC
  6. Workup Of Amyloidosis - CAP
  7. 2025 ASH Guideline on Diagnosis of Light Chain Amyloidosis
  8. Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis Evaluation and Management: 2025 ACC Concise Clinical Guidance | JACC
  9. Long-term efficacy and safety of vutrisiran in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy: final analysis of the HELIOS-A randomized treatment extension - PubMed
  10. Five-Year Results With Patisiran for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis With Polyneuropathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial With Open-Label Extension - PubMed
  11. Table 6, Summary of Outcomes From the NEURO-TTRansform Study - Eplontersen (Wainua) - NCBI Bookshelf
  12. Polyneuropathy in hereditary and wildtype transthyretin amyloidosis, comparison of key clinical features and red flags - PubMed
  13. Frontiers | When Peripheral Neuropathy Meets Hoarseness and Cough: A Diagnostic Challenge and Insights from a Case of Late-Onset ATTRv
  14. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with hand weakness and bulbar involvement - PubMed
  15. The phenotypic landscape of p.Ala117Ser transthyretin amyloidosis: distinct clinical profiles and outcomes versus wild-type ATTR - PMC

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