¿Qué hay de nuevo en el diagnóstico de amiloidosis? / What is new in diagnosis of amyloidosis?

La amiloidosis siempre ha representado un desafío diagnóstico. En el año 2020, el Grupo de Estudio de Amiloidosis (GEA), confeccionó la Guía de Práctica Clínica para el Diagnóstico de Amiloidosis. Nuevas líneas de investigación se han desarrollado posteriormente. Esta revisión narrativa tiene como intención explorar el estado del arte en el diagnóstico de la amiloidosis. En pacientes con amiloidosis se recomienda la tipificación de la proteína mediante espectrometría de masa, técnica de difícil ejecución por requerir de microdisectores láser para la preparación de la muestra. Algunas publicaciones recientes proponen otros métodos para obtener la muestra de amiloide que se va a analizar, permitiendo prescindir de la microdisección. Por otra parte, en pacientes con Amiloidosis ATTR confirmada, la recomendación de secuenciar el gen amiloidogénico se encontraba destinada a los casos sospechosos de ATTR hereditaria (ATTRv,), pero actualmente esta se ha extendido a todos los pacientes sin importar la edad. En lo que respecta a los estudios complementarios orientados al diagnóstico de compromiso cardíaco, se ha propuesto el uso de la inteligencia artificial para su interpretación, permitiendo la detección temprana de la enfermedad y el correcto diagnóstico diferencial. Para el diagnóstico de neuropatía, las últimas publicaciones proponen el uso de la cadena ligera de neurofilamento sérica, que también podría resultar un indicador útil para seguimiento. Finalmente, con referencia a la amiloidosis AL, la comunidad científica se encuentra interesada en definir qué características determinan el carácter amiloidogénico de las cadenas livianas. La N-glicosilación de dichas proteínas impresiona ser uno de los determinantes en cuestión. (AU)

Amyloidosis has always represented a diagnostic challenge. In 2020, the Amyloidosis Study Group (ASG) developed the "Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis of Amyloidosis". New lines of research have subsequently emerged. This narrative review aims to explore the state of the art in the diagnosis of amyloidosis diagnosis. In patients with amyloidosis, protein typing by mass spectrometry is recommended, a technique hard to perform because it requires laser microdissection for sample preparation. Recent publications propose other methods to obtain the amyloid sample to be analyzed, making it possible to dispense with microdissection. On the other hand, in patients with confirmed TTR amyloidosis (aTTR), the recommendation to sequence the amyloidogenic gene was intended for suspected cases of hereditary aTTR but has now been extended to all patients regardless of age. (AU)

Manejo ambulatorio de pacientes con amiloidosis cardiaca por cadenas livianas / Outpatient management of patients with cardiac light chain amyloidosis

Resumen La amiloidosis primaria o de cadenas livianas (AL) es la forma más común de amiloidosis y se caracteriza por presentar una población clonal de células plasmáticas que producen una cadena ligera monoclonal de tipo lambda o kappa. En algunos sujetos, dicha cadena se deposita en forma de amiloide en los órganos y tejidos, dando lugar a manifestaciones clínicas, como proteinuria o síndrome nefrótico, miocardiopatía restrictiva y hepatomegalia. Aunque se considera una enfermedad rara, datos recientes sugieren que la amiloidosis cardíaca se subestima como una causa de enfermedades o síndromes cardíacos comunes. En la amiloidosis AL, tanto la respuesta hematológica como la de los órganos después del tratamiento son importantes para mejorar el resultado clínico, especialmente, si mejora la función cardíaca que es uno de los aspectos clave en el pronóstico de la amiloidosis AL. Se presenta el caso y la revisión de un paciente de sexo femenino, de 67 años de edad, que en la pesquisa diagnóstica de anemia e insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) se concluye en el diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple y amiloidosis cardiaca (AC) por depósito de cadenas livianas.

Abstract Primary or light chain (AL) amyloidosis is the most common form of amyloidosis and is characterized by a clonal population of plasma cells that produce a monoclonal lambda or kappa-type light chain, which in some subjects this chain is deposited as amyloid in the organs and tissues, giving rise to clinical manifestations such as proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome, restrictive cardiomyopathy and hepatomegaly. Although considered a rare disease, recent data suggest cardiac amyloidosis is underestimated as cause of common heart diseases or syndromes. In AL amyloidosis, both the hematologic and organ response after treatment, are important to improve clinical outcome. Especially if it improves cardiac function is one of the key aspects in the prognosis of AL amyloidosis. We present the case and review of a 67-year-old female patient, who in the investigation diagnoses anemia and heart failure concludes in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma and cardiac amyloidosis due to light chain deposition.

Cardiac magnetic resonance-feature tracking technique can assess cardiac function and prognosis in patients with myocardial amyloidosis / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To quantitatively assess cardiac functions in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using cardiac magnetic resonance-feature tracking (CMR-FT) technique and evaluate the prognostic value of CMR-FT in patients with CA.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively collected the data from 31 CA patients with systemic amyloidosis confirmed by Congo red staining and serum immunohistochemistry after extracardiac tissue biopsy undergoing CMR at our hospital from March, 2013 to June, 2021.Thirty-one age and gender matched patients with asymmetric left ventricular wall hypertrophy and 31 healthy individuals without organic or functional heart disease served as the controls.Radial, circumferential and longitudinal strains and strain rates of the left ventricle at the global level and in each myocardial segment (basal, middle and apical) were obtained with CMR-FT technique and compared among the 3 groups.The predictive value of myocardial strains and strain rates for all-cause mortality in CA patients was analyzed using a stepwise COX regression model.@*RESULTS@#The left ventricular volume, myocardial mass, ejection fraction and cardiac output differed significantly among the groups (P < 0.05).Except for apical longitudinal strain, the global and segmental strains were all significantly lower in CA group than in HCM group (P < 0.05).The global and segmental strains were all significantly lower in CA group than in the healthy individuals (P < 0.05).The basal strain rates in the 3 directions were significantly lower in CA group than in the healthy individuals (P < 0.05), but the difference in apical strain rates was not statistically significant between the two groups.Multivariate stepwise COX analysis showed that troponin T (HR=1.05, 95%CI: 1.01-1.10, P=0.017) and middle peak diastolic circumferential strain rate (HR=6.87, 95%CI: 1.52-31.06, P=0.012) were strong predictors of death in CA patients.@*CONCLUSION@#Strain and strain rate parameters derived from CMR-FT based on cine sequences are new noninvasive imaging markers for assessing cardiac impairment in CA and cardiac function changes in HCM, and provide independent predictive information for all-cause mortality in CA patients.

El electrocardiograma en la amiloidosis cardíaca: un arma para la sospecha diagnóstica de esta enfermedad / The electrocardiogram in cardiac amyloidosis: a weapon for the diagnosis suspect of this disease / O electrocardiograma na amiloidose cardíaca: uma arma para a suspeita diagnóstica desta doença

La amiloidosis cardíaca (AC) es una enfermedad con mal pronóstico si el tratamiento no se inicia de forma temprana, por lo que una de las asignaturas pendientes en esta enfermedad consiste en realizar un diagnóstico precoz. El electrocardiograma (ECG) es una prueba diagnóstica de bajo costo y amplia disponibilidad que nos permite sospechar esta enfermedad, dado que resulta normal en < 5% de los pacientes. El hallazgo clásico es la presencia de bajos voltajes en relación con la gran hipertrofia que se observa en las pruebas de imagen, así como el conocido patrón de pseudoinfarto. Ambos hallazgos son más frecuentes en el subtipo de amiloidosis por cadenas ligeras, que era el más frecuentemente diagnosticado en el pasado. Sin embargo, con la expansión del diagnóstico no invasivo del subtipo a transtiretina, su identificación ha crecido de forma exponencial y se convirtió en el más diagnosticado con más frecuencia en nuestro medio. Se debe prestar especial atención a todos estos hallazgos electrocardiográficos, con el fin de que esta prueba diagnóstica de sencilla obtención pueda contribuir de forma importante a la sospecha y al diagnóstico precoz de la AC.

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a serious disease with a poor prognosis if treatment is not started early, so one of the pending issues in this condition is to make an early diagnosis. The electrocardiogram (EKG) is an inexpensive and widely available diagnostic test that can offer differential data when suspecting this disease, being normal in < 5% of these patients. The classic EKG finding is the presence of low voltages in relation to the large hypertrophy seen on imaging tests, as well as the well-known pseudoinfarct pattern. Both findings are more frequent in the light chain subtype of CA, which was the most frequently diagnosed in the past. However, with the growth of noninvasive diagnostic tests, the identification of the transtyretin subtype has grown exponentially, becoming the most frequently diagnosed in our setting. Special attention should be paid to all these electrocardiographic findings, so that this simple diagnostic test can make an important contribution to the early suspicion and diagnosis of CA.

A amiloidose cardíaca (AC) é uma doença grave com um mau prognóstico no caso de não se iniciar tratamento de forma precoce, pelo que a necessidade de um pronto diagnóstico é imperiosa. Quando se suspeita desta doença, o eletrocardiograma (ECG) é um teste de diagnóstico pouco dispendioso e disponível em todo o mundo, que pode fornecer dados discriminativos importantes, sendo normal em menos de 5% dos casos. O achado clássico do ECG é a presença de baixas voltagens em relação à grande hipertrofia vista na imagem, bem como o conhecido padrão de pseudoinfarte. Ambos os resultados são mais frequentes no subtipo a cadenas ligeras, o mais frequentemente diagnosticado no passado. No entanto, com o aumento dos testes de diagnóstico não-invasivos, o diagnóstico ddo subtipo a transtirretina, o mais cresceu de forma exponencial, tornando-se o mais frequentemente diagnosticado no nosso meio. Deve ser dada especial atenção a todos estes achados eletrocardiográficos já que esta prova de diagnóstico de fácil obtenção pode contribuir de forma importante para a suspeição de diagnóstico precoce de AC.

Aportes del ecocardiograma y las técnicas de deformación miocárdica en la amiloidosis cardíaca: bases de la técnica y hallazgos de utilidad diagnóstica / Contributions of echocardiography and myocardial deformation techniques in cardiac amyloidosis: basis of the technique and diagnostically useful findings / Contribuições da ecocardiografia e das técnicas de deformação miocárdica na amiloidose cardíaca: base da técnica e resultados diagnosticamente úteis

La amiloidosis cardíaca es una miocardiopatía restrictiva infiltrativa secundaria al depósito extracelular de amiloide. Las diferentes técnicas de imagen cardíaca permiten la evaluación de forma no invasiva. El ecocardiograma juega un rol central en la evaluación diagnóstica, pronóstica y ayuda a guiar el tratamiento. El objetivo de este artículo de revisión es describir las diferentes herramientas que nos brinda la ecocardiografía, poniendo énfasis en el strain por speckle tracking y describir su rol en el diagnóstico de esta patología.

Cardiac amyloidosis is an infiltrative restrictive cardiomyopathy secondary to extracellular amyloid deposition. Different cardiac imaging techniques allow noninvasive evaluation. Echocardiography plays a central role in diagnostic and prognostic evaluation and helps to guide treatment. The aim of this review is to describe the different tools provided by echocardiography, with emphasis on speckle tracking strain and to describe its role in the diagnosis of this pathology.

A amiloidose cardíaca é uma cardiomiopatia restritiva infiltrativa secundária ao depósito de amiloide extracelular. Diferentes técnicas de imagem cardíaca permitem fazer uma análise não invasiva. A ecocardiografia desempenha um papel central no diagnóstico e na avaliação prognóstica e ajuda a orientar o tratamento. O objetivo deste artigo de revisão é descrever as diferentes ferramentas proporcionadas pela ecocardiografia, com ênfase no strain por speckle tracking, e descrever o seu papel no diagnóstico desta patologia.

The Interpretation and Update of the Diagnosis Pathway of Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Transthyretin Cardiac Amyoidosis / 罕见病研究

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is caused by the deposition of transthyretin(TTR) in the myocardial interstitium. Its clinical manifestations are mainly heart failure and arrhythmia, leading to poor life quality and low survival rate. Diagnosis is often delayed or missed due to the lack of disease awareness, the non-specific clinical symptom presentation of the disease, and inadequacy of non-invasive diagnostic methods and medications in the past. The recent availability of effective treatments makes the early recognition and diagnosis especially critical, because treatment is likely more effective earlier in the disease course. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a diagnosis and treatment strategy to facilitate the rapid and accurate identification of the disease. Based on the advances in research and experiences gained ATTR-CA, our team has developed a consensus on diagnosis and treatment for the disease. In this article, we interpret the key points and present the update of diagnostic process, providing clinicians with an overview of key aspects of ATTR-CA in China.

Preliminary Study on Quantitative Evaluation of Myocardial Fibrosis by CardiacMagnetic Resonance in Patients with Light Chain Cardiac Amyloidosis / 罕见病研究

  Objective  Myocardial fibrosis is a potential mechanism of light-chain myocardial amyloidosis(AL-CA). This research aimed at exploring the correlation between multiparameter cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and myocardial fibrosis by relating the CMR myocardial tissue characteristics, the morphological and the functional parameters with gallium-68-labeledfibroblast activation protein inhibitor 04 positron emission tomography (68Ga-FAPI PET).  Methods  We gave the patients diagnosed with AL-CA in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August to December 2021 the examinations of CMR and 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT. We recorded and analyzed the information on clinical manifestations and examinations of the patients.  Results  A total of 23 patients with AL-CA were included, 15 (65.2%)of which were male and the mean age was 58.3±6.5 years. Patients with high 68Ga-FAPI-04 uptake had shown growth in myocardial extracellular volume (ECV), significantly higher than those in the negative group (P=0.047). In addition, patients' myocardial ECV was positively correlated with myocardial FAPI uptake (r=0.628, P=0.001;r=0.727, P < 0.001;r=0.661, P=0.001). Patients in the positive group showd reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF)(P < 0.001).LVEF (r=-0.798, P < 0.001;r=-0.794, P < 0.001; r=-0.795, P < 0.001) and right ventricular (RV)EF (r=-0.735, P < 0.001;r=-0.739, P < 0.001;r=- 0.684, P < 0.001) showd negatively correlated with myocardial FAPI uptake, LV circumferential strain (r=0.668, P < 0.001;r=0.708, P < 0.001;r=0.705, P < 0.001), LV longitudinal strain (r=0.629, P=0.001;r=0.635, P=0.001; r=0.597, P=0.003), and RV longitudinal strain (r=0.575, P=0.004; r=0.792, P < 0.001;r=0.673, P < 0.001) were negatively correlated with myocardial FAPI uptake.  Conclusions  FAPI-related fibroblast activation is concurrent with CMR-related abnormal myocardial interstitial characteristics that leads to the decreased function of the myocardial movement. Patients with increased FAPI uptake present with increased ECV, decreased EF, and decreased strain with morphological abnormalities.

Progress in New Therapies Targeting the Pathogenesis of Cardiomyopathywith Hypertrophic Phenotype / 罕见病研究

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is cardiomyopathy with a clinical phenotype of cardiac hypertrophy. The etiology includes genetically defective encoding sarcomeres, congenital metabolic diseases such as lysosomal storage diseases, systemic amyloidosis such as transthyretin amyloidosis(ATTR), and Fabry disease. Previous therapies did not target the etiology and pathogenesis and therefore were less effective. In recent years, treatments targeting different mechanisms of myocardial hypertrophy have achieved good results. Mavacamten can reduce myocardial contractility by inhibiting ATP activity, thereby significantly improving left ventricular outflow tract(LVOT) obstruction, cardiac contractility, ventricular tension, and limitting myocardial damage. By inhibiting the dissociation of transthyretin(TTR) and subsequent formation and deposition of the amyloid fibril, tafamidis can reduce the mortality and morbidity of patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis(ATTR-CA). Gene silencing and gene editing technology can reduce abnormal TTR levels. Synthesis of α-galactosidase A by gene recombination technology in vitro can effectively reduce left ventricular mass index(LVMi), improve cardiac function, reduce angina attacks and decrease mortality of Fabry disease.

Critical Management Strategies for Cardiovascular Involvementin Light Chain Amyloidosis / 罕见病研究

Light chain amyloidosis (AL) is a kind of rare disease. The misfolding of the light chain of monoclonal immunoglobulin forms amyloid substances and deposit in different tissues and organs, resulting in organ dysfunction. The heart involvement is represented as light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA), leading to heart failure, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, valvular and pericardial diseases. Cardiac involvement is crucial for the risk stratification and prognosis prediction of patients with AL. The median survival time of AL-CA patients is 24 months and only 6 months for the heart failure patients. In recent years, the prognosis of patients with AL-CA has been significantly improved, thanks to the advancement in diagnosis & treatment strategies of cardiac amyloidosis, the milestone in the breakthroughs in targeted therapy of AL, and the improvement of coordinated multidisciplinary treatment. This paper focuses on the cardiovascular involvement of AL and briefly illustrates the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and the diagnosis and treatment of AL-CA.

Left Ventricle Longitudinal Strain Parameters Are Effective for Differentiating Cardiac Amyloidosis from Primary Hypertensive Left Ventricular Hypertrophy / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo clarify the value of the left ventricular longitudinal strain（LVLS）parameters in patients with cardiac amyloidosis （CA） and primary hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy （HLVH）. MethodsForty-one patients confirmed with CA were selected and assigned to CA with hypertension group （n =14） and pure CA group （n=27） based on the initial diagnosis with or without hypertension. Twenty patients with primary hypertension-induced left ventricular hypertrophy （HLVH group） and twenty healthy controls were also selected， matching for gender， age， and body surface area. Clinical data， conventional echocardiography parameters were collected and LVLS parameters were measured. Within-group variations were compared among the four groups， and pairwise comparisons were conducted between groups. The sensitivity and specificity of each parameter in predicting CA were judged by the receiver operator characteristic （ROC） curvy in CA and HLVH patients with left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） preserved. ResultsAmong the conventional echocardiography parameters， LVEF and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter （LVEDD） were lower in the CA with hypertension group and pure CA group compared with the higher values in the HLVH group and control group. Whereas， left ventricular posterior wall thickness （LVPWT）， relative wall thickness （RWT）， and average E/e' were higher in the two CA groups compared with the HLVH group （all P＜0.05）.Among the LVLS parameters， Global longitudinal strain （GLS） was the worst in the CA with hypertension group so as pure CA group， modest in the HLVH group， and highest in the control group. On the contrary， relative longitudinal strain and ejection fraction strain ratio （EFSR） were the highest in the CA with hypertension group so as to pure CA group， modest in the HLVH group， and lowest in the control group （all P＜0.05）. ROC analysis showed that when LVEF was preserved， the absolute value of GLS less than 14.35% and EFSR higher than 4.28 could effectively distinguish CA from HLVH （all AUCs＞0.9，all P＜0.05）； meanwhile GLS showed high sensitivity（100%） and EFSR showed great specificity（95%）. There were not statistically significance in any parameter between CA with hypertension group and pure CA group（all P＞0.05）. ConclusionWhether CA was complicated with hypertension or not， there were statistically significance among routine echocardiography and LVLS parameters compared with HLVH. In particular， GLS and EFSR are accurate in predicting CA in patients with myocardial hypertrophy and preserved LVEF.

Advancements in pharmacological therapy for transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis and its comorbidities / 中国药房

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis myocardiopathy （ATTR-CM） is an infiltrative cardiomyopathy characterized by the deposition of amyloidogenic material in the myocardial interstitium due to the misfolding of monomers following the dissociation of unstable transthyretin （TTR） tetramers. Previous treatments for ATTR-CM lacked specificity，primarily targeting symptomatic management of heart failure and arrhythmias. In recent years，researchers have developed two major classes of drugs addressing the pathogenesis of ATTR-CM. The first class stabilizes TTR tetramer structure （such as tafamidis and acoramidis）， while the second class interferes with TTR synthesis （such as patisiran）. Among these，tafamidis has been confirmed as the only currently effective treatment for ATTR-CM，while other drugs are still in clinical trial stages with limited clinical evidence. Concerning the management of comorbidities in ATTR-CM，treatment mainly focuses on common cardiac comorbidities （such as heart failure and arrhythmias）. Traditional drugs used to improve heart failure prognosis （such as β-blockers and renin-angiotensin- receptor blocker），have not demonstrated prognosis improvement in ATTR-CM patients and may even lead to adverse reactions. For ATTR-CM patients with concurrent atrial fibrillation，anticoagulation therapy is recommended to prevent thrombus formation，and amiodarone can be used for rhythm control. Despite significant advancements in pharmaceutical treatments for ATTR-CM，the overall prognosis remains poor，necessitating further research into the pathogenesis and target development to enhance the prognosis of ATTR-CM patients.

Suspecting and diagnosing transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in India: An Indian expert consensus

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) is a rare and under-recognized disorder characterized by the aggregation of transthyretin-derived insoluble amyloid fibrils in the myocardium. Heterogeneity of symptoms at presentation, makes its diagnosis often delayed. An expert panel gathered on a virtual platform across India to conduct a meeting for developing a guiding tool for ATTR-CM diagnosis. The panel recommended younger age (40 years) for suspecting ATTR-CM and thick-walled non-dilated hypokinetic ventricle was considered as one of the important red flags. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography (ECHO) findings were recommended as primary tests to raise the suspicion while nuclear scintigraphy and hematological tests were recommended to confirm the diagnosis and rule out amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and biopsy were recommended in case of ambiguity in the presence of red flags. Considering the lack of expert guidelines in the Indian scenario, a standardized diagnostic algorithm was also proposed.

Aporte de la centellografía con trazadores tecneciados fosfatados al diagnóstico de amiloidosis cardíaca / Contribution of scintigraphy with technetium phosphated tracers to the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis / Contribuição da cintilografia com traçadores fosfatados com tecnécio para o diagnóstico de amiloidose cardíaca

Las amiloidosis son enfermedades causadas por el depósito patológico extracelular de un material proteico fibrilar e insoluble denominado amiloide, que puede estar vinculado a cadenas livianas (AL) o transtirretina (TTR). La amiloidosis cardíaca provoca una cardiomiopatía restrictiva de carácter progresivo caracterizada por falla cardíaca con función sistólica relativamente preservada, que se asocia a elevada mortalidad. Aunque el diagnóstico definitivo tradicionalmente se basa en la biopsia endomiocárdica, los avances en imagenología han mejorado su abordaje y la reciente introducción de terapias especificas permiten augurar cambios significativos en el pronóstico. El tratamiento difiere según el tipo de amiloide involucrado y su resultado depende de la instauración precoz de este, por lo cual resulta esencial un diagnóstico preciso y temprano. El centellograma cardíaco con fosfatos marcados (99mTc-PYP u otros), ampliamente disponible y de relativo bajo costo, se considera en la actualidad como una "biopsia molecular no invasiva" para el diagnóstico de la amiloidosis tipo ATTR, que debe ser usado en conjunto con la investigación de proteínas monoclonales en pacientes con sospecha clínica de la enfermedad.

Amyloidoses are diseases caused by the extracellular deposition of a fibrillar and insoluble protein material called amyloid, which can be linked either to light chains (AL) or transthyretin (TTR). Cardiac amyloidosis causes a progressive restrictive cardiomyopathy characterized by heart failure with relatively preserved systolic function, which is associated with high mortality. Although a definitive diagnosis is traditionally based on endomyocardial biopsy, advances in cardiac imaging have improved its approach, and the recent introduction of specific therapies predicts significant changes in prognosis. Since treatment differs according to the type of amyloid involved and the results depend on a prompt implementation, an accurate and early diagnosis is essential. Cardiac scintigraphy with labeled phosphates (99mTc-PYP or others), widely available and relatively inexpensive, is currently considered a "noninvasive molecular biopsy" for the diagnosis of ATTR type amyloidosis, which should be used in conjunction with investigation of monoclonal proteins in patients with clinical suspicion of the disease.

As amiloidoses são doenças causadas pela deposição patológica extracelular de um material proteico fibrilar e insolúvel, denominado amiloide, que pode estar ligado a cadeias leves (AL) ou transtirretina (TTR). A amiloidose cardíaca causa cardiomiopatia restritiva progressiva caracterizada por insuficiência cardíaca com função sistólica relativamente preservada, que está associada a alta mortalidade. Embora o diagnóstico definitivo seja tradicionalmente baseado na biópsia endomiocárdica, os avanços nos exames de imagem aprimoraram sua abordagem e a recente introdução de terapias específicas pode predizer mudanças significativas no prognóstico. O tratamento varia de acordo com o tipo de amiloide envolvida e seu resultado depende do início precoce, por isso um diagnóstico preciso e precoce é essencial. A cintilografia cardíaca com fosfatos marcados (99mTc-PYP ou outros), amplamente disponível e relativamente econômico, é atualmente considerada uma "biópsia molecular não invasiva" para o diagnóstico de amiloidose do tipo ATTR, que deve ser usada em conjunto com a investigação de proteínas monoclonais em pacientes com suspeita clínica da doença.

Primer uso de tafamidis en amiloidosis cardíaca TTR en Uruguay / First use of tafamidis in cardiac amyloidosis TTR in Uruguay / Primeiro uso de tafamidis em amiloidose cardíaca TTR no Uruguai

La amiloidosis cardíaca es una entidad con creciente reconocimiento, la variedad por transtiretina es la que más se diagnostica en la tercera edad de la vida. Hay reciente disponibilidad de fármacos que mejoran el pronóstico y la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Presentamos un caso de amiloidosis por transtiretina donde se usó por primera vez en nuestro país el fármaco tafamidis aprobado para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad.

Cardiac amyloidosis is an entity on increasing recognition, transthyretin variety is the most diagnosed in the third age. There is a recent availability of drugs that can improve the prognosis and quality of life of these patients. We present a case of transthyretin amyloidosis and the first use of tafamidis in our country.

A amiloidose cardíaca é uma entidade em crescente reconhecimento, a variedade transtiretina é a mais diagnosticada em idosos. Há disponibilidade recente de medicamentos que melhoram o prognóstico e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Apresentamos um caso de amiloidosis transteretina onde o medicamento tafamidis aprovado para esta doença foi utilizado pela primeira vez em nosso país.

Role of three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging in predicting the prognosis of light-chain cardiac amyloidosis with normal left ventricular ejection fraction / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the left ventricular myocardial strain in patients with light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA) with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging(3D-STI), and to explore the clinical value of 3D-STI in predicting the prognosis of AL-CA patients with normal LVEF.Methods:A total of 80 patients with AL-CA and LVEF≥50% were retrospectively analyzed in the Xijing Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University from October 2014 to May 2020.According to whether the patients had endpoint events, they were divided into endpoint event group and non-endpoint event group. The clinical data, conventional echocardiographic parameters, 3D-STI related parameters and follow-up results were collected. Cox regression proportional hazards model was used to analyze the survival status of AL-CA patients with univariate and multivariate regression analyses, in order to find the relevant indicators of conventional echocardiography and 3D-STI to predict adverse events.Results:All patients were followed up for 20(7.3, 40.8) months. At the end of follow-up, 25 patients had all-cause deaths. Compared with the non-endpoint group, the endpoint event group had significantly increased left ventricular end diastolic maximum wall thickness (MLVWT), peak early diastolic flow velocity/peak early diastolic velocity at mitral annulus(E/e′) (all P<0.05), and decreased LVEF, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and basal segment longitudinal strain (LS) (all P<0.05). Multivariate cox regression analysis after adjusting for age and gender showed that basal segment LS ( HR=0.812, 95% CI=0.675-0.976, P=0.026) was an independent predictor of end-point events in patients with AL-CA. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that AL-CA patients with basal segment LS≤13.07% were more likely to have endpoint events. Conclusions:Basal segment LS can be used as a predictor of endpoint events in patients with AL-CA.

An Autopsy Case of Transthyretin-Related Cardiac Amyloidosis (TTR-CA), Which Fell into Low-Output Syndrome after Cardiac Surgery / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

We present the case of 83-year-old male patient. He was under observation as an outpatient with mild to moderate aortic stenosis and regurgitation since 75 years old. He underwent surgery because of repeated hospitalization by heart failure due to progressive aortic valve stenosis and regurgitation, mitral valve stenosis and regurgitation, and tricuspid regurgitation. Elective aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve repair was performed. Even though his condition after surgery was stable, suddenly feature like low output syndrome appeared on day 6, and led to a mortality on day 8 after operation. Ejection fraction was kept above 50 percent before and after surgery, which indicated to Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). After autopsy examination, by immunohistochemical staining identified transthyretin, we demonstrated previously undiagnosed transthyretin-related cardiac amyloidosis (TTR-CA).

Cardiomiopatía amiloídea por transtiretina: diagnóstico y manejo en la actualidad / Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: a review

RESUMEN: La cardiomiopatía amiloide por transtiretina (CATTR) es una enfermedad caracterizada por depósito extracelular de fibrillas amiloides en el miocardio, a partir de transtiretina mal plegada, generando una miocardiopatía restrictiva. Esta proteína mal plegada puede tener origen hereditario o adquirido, siendo más frecuente en adultos mayores. La CA-TTR ha surgido como una causa subdiagnosticada de insuficiencia cardíaca con fracción de eyección preservada (IC FEp). El pilar fundamental para su diagnóstico es la alta sospecha clínica, basada en diversas banderas de alerta ya que la sintomatología que provoca suele ser inespecífica. Como veremos en esta revisión, el diagnóstico puede sustentarse con la cintigrafía ósea, reservando para situaciones particulares la toma de biopsia. Con el advenimiento de nuevas terapias que impactan en la sobrevida de esta enfermedad, el tiempo para realizar el diagnóstico certero y la diferenciación de otras causas de amiloidosis cardíaca como la de cadenas livianas, se ha tornado crucial.

ABSTRACT: Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (AT-TR-CM) is a disease characterized by extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils in the myocardium, from misfolded transthyretin, generating a restrictive cardiomyopathy. This misfolded protein may be inherited or acquired, and is more prevalent in elderly patients. ATTR-CM has emerged as an underdiagnosed cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF). The fundamental pillarfor its diagnosis is high clinical suspicion since the symptoms are usually nonspecific. The diagnosis can be made from bone scintigraphy, reserving myocardial biopsy for particular situations. With the advent of new therapies that affect the survival of these patients, a timely diagnosis has become crucial.

Assessment of myocardial work in cardiac amyloidosis patients by left ventricular pressure-strain loop / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the global and segmental myocardial work in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) by left ventricular pressure-strain loop (PSL) noninvasively.Methods:Eighteen patients with CA in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from March 2018 to December 2020 were included as CA group, 20 healthy subjects were selected as control group. The global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mechanical dispersion (MD) of left ventricle were analyzed by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging. The left ventricular PSL was used to assess global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global waste work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE). The mean value of left ventricular basal, mid and apical myocardial work index (MWI), constructive work (CW), waste work (WW) and work efficiency (WE) were calculated and compared between the two groups.Results:①Compared with the control group, GLS was decreased and MD was increased in CA group (all P<0.05). ②GWI, GCW, GWW and GWE were decreased in CA group compared with the control group (all P<0.05). ③In CA group, the MWI, CW and WE of the basal, mid and apical segments were lower than those of control group (all P<0.05), WW of the basal and mid segments were lower than those of apical segment(all P<0.05). The impairment of MWI, WW and WE in basal and mid segment were more significant than those of apical segment (all P<0.05). ④GWI, GCW and GWE were positively correlated with GLS ( r=0.854, 0.816, 0.748; all P<0.001) and LVEF ( r=0.674, 0.634, 0.650; all P<0.01), and negatively correlated with MD ( r=-0.657, -0.672, -0.710, all P<0.01). GWI and GCW were negatively correlated with E/e′ ( r=-0.493, -0.539; all P<0.05). Conclusions:The global, basal, mid and apical left ventricular myocardial work indices are decreased in CA patients. MWI, CW and WE show an apical sparing pattern. Quantitative assessment of myocardial work by PSL may provide more valuable information for CA patients.

Amiloidosis cardíaca en un paciente con mieloma múltiple / Cardiac amyloidosis in a patient with multiple myeloma

Resumen La amiloidosis sistémica constituye una enfermedad poco frecuente, donde la infiltración cardíaca es la principal causa de morbimortalidad, sin importar la causa subyacente del depósito amiloide. Se reporta el caso de una paciente femenina de 48 años con síndrome nefrótico, insuficiencia cardíaca e inmunocompromiso, estableciéndose el diagnóstico de amiloidosis primaria con infiltración cardíaca secundaria a mieloma múltiple. Se discute brevemente la enfermedad, la importancia del juicio clínico apoyado en medios diagnósticos y los retos terapéuticos actuales.

Abstract Systemic amyloidosis constitutes a non common disease in which cardiac involvement is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, regardless of the underlying pathogenesis of amyloid production. We present the case of a 48 years old female with nephrotic syndrome, heart failure and immunocompromise in which Primary Amyloidosis with cardiac involvement secondary to Multiple Myeloma is established as diagnosis. The disease is briefly discussed, as well as the value of clinical judgment supported on diagnostic means and the therapeutic challenges now days.

Late gadolinium enhancement and T1 mapping for the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective@#To explore the role of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T1 mapping for detection of cardiac amyloidosis.@*Methods@#Nine cases of cardiac amyloidosis who had diagnosed by renal biopsy diagnosed type light-chain (AL) amyloidosis and acute heart failure suspected involvement of the heart in Tianjin First Central Hospital from May 2018 to March 2019 were enrolled, and at the same time 14 cases of non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients, 12 cases of healthy physical examination at the same period were enrolled as the control. All patients underwent Philips 3.0-T including plain scan as cine, T2WI, native T1 mapping and enhanced scan as perfusion, LGE imaging, post T1 mapping. For LGE cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), a bolus of 0.1 mL/kg of gadolinium-based contrast followed by a 20 mL saline flush was administered. After a 7-minutes delay, ECG-gated images were acquired in 3 long-axis and a stack of short-axis slices identical to those of cine images using a breath-hold gradient recalled echo phase-sensitive or magnitude only inversion recovery sequence. LGE and T1 mapping CMRI observation, including cardiac function index [left ventricle end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricle end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), valvular regurgitation], cardiac morphological index [including left ventricular wall thickness, left ventricular weight (LVM)], myocardial histological characteristics and markers N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and accompanying signs (including pericardial effusion, pleural effusion) were performed.@*Results@#The predominant LGE pattern in amyloidosis was diffuse left ventricular sub endocardial enhancement (3/9), diffuse in left ventricular wall enhancement (3/9), and transmural delayed enhancement in left ventricular (2/9) and non-typical delayed enhancement (1/9). Myocardial T1 was significantly elevated in cardiac AL amyloidosis patients compared to normal subjects and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ms: 1 497.3±22.0 vs. 1 273.3±30.1, 1 329.3±42.6, both P < 0.05). Myocardial T1 was increased in AL amyloid before LGE. A post-contrast myocardial T1 was significantly elevated in cardiac AL amyloidosis patients compared to normal subjects and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ms: 476.7±44.2 vs. 516.1±41.5, 569.9±12.3, both P > 0.05). Three of 9 amyloidosis patients with review images showing T1 value and cardiac function was no significantly different with the first check (ms: 1 484.8±6.5 vs. 1 497.3±22.0, P = 0.11).@*Conclusions@#One-stop CMRI can improve the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis, LGE can display the myocardial scarring and fibrosis, and T1 mapping is sensitive to myocardial edema and diffuse fibrosis. LGE and T1 mapping can improve the diagnostic accuracy, which is very meaningful for diagnosis and follow-up of patients.