Inflammatory amyloid angiopathy: a case report from Ecuador and literature review

Abstract

Inflammatory Amyloid Angiopathy (IAA) is an increasingly recognized neurovascular disorder characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in the walls of cerebral blood vessels, which has significant pathological and clinical consequences. The pathophysiology of IAA involves a complex interaction of key mechanisms, such as the accumulation of beta-amyloid peptides, which disrupts the structural integrity of vascular smooth muscle cells and promotes a state of chronic inflammation. This pathological cascade not only compromises cerebral blood flow but also incites immune responses that further exacerbate vascular damage, ultimately culminating in neurological deficits and cognitive impairment. Clinically, individuals affected by IAA present with a spectrum of symptoms ranging from headaches and transient ischemic attacks to more severe manifestations such as strokes and dementia, posing challenges for timely diagnosis and treatment.