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Alqarni A, Aljizeeri A, Bakhsh AM, El-Zeftawy HAM, Farghaly HR, Alqadhi MAM, Algarni M, Asiri ZM, Osman A, Haddadin H, Alayary I, Al-Mallah MH. Best Practices in Nuclear Imaging for the Diagnosis of Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in KSA: The Eagle Eyes of Local Experts. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:212. [PMID: 38248088 PMCID: PMC10814030 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a complex and serious form of heart failure caused by the accumulation of transthyretin amyloid protein in the heart muscle. Variable symptoms of ATTR-CM can lead to a delayed diagnosis. Recognizing the diagnostic indicators is crucial to promptly detect this condition. A targeted literature review was conducted to examine the latest international consensus recommendations on a comprehensive diagnosis of ATTR-CM. Additionally, a panel consisting of nuclear medicine expert consultants (n = 10) and nuclear imaging technicians (n = 2) convened virtually from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to formulate best practices for ATTR-CM diagnosis. The panel reached a consensus on a standard diagnostic pathway for ATTR-CM, which commences by evaluating the presence of clinical red flags and initiating a cardiac workup to assess the patient's echocardiogram. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may be needed, in uncertain cases. When there is a high suspicion of ATTR-CM, patients undergo nuclear scintigraphy and hematologic tests to rule out primary or light-chain amyloidosis. The expert panel emphasized that implementing best practices will support healthcare professionals in KSA to improve their ability to detect and diagnose ATTR-CM more accurately and promptly. Diagnosing ATTR-CM accurately and early can reduce morbidity and mortality rates through appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alqarni
- Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh 12233, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (H.R.F.)
| | - Ahmed Aljizeeri
- King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 14626, Saudi Arabia;
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 21423, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Hussein R. Farghaly
- Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh 12233, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (H.R.F.)
| | | | - Mushref Algarni
- King Fahad Military Medical Complex, Dhahran 34313, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Ahmed Osman
- Pfizer Inc., Riyadh 13244, Saudi Arabia; (A.O.)
| | - Haya Haddadin
- Pfizer Gulf FZ LLC, Dubai 29553, United Arab Emirates;
| | | | - Mouaz H. Al-Mallah
- Houston Methodist, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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