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Kourek C, Briasoulis A, Magouliotis DE, Georgoulias P, Giamouzis G, Triposkiadis F, Skoularigis J, Xanthopoulos A. Recent advances in the diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. World J Cardiol 2024; 16:370-379. [PMID: 39086890 PMCID: PMC11287460 DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v16.i7.370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac amyloidosis is a progressive disease characterized by the buildup of amyloid fibrils in the extracellular space of the heart. It is divided in 2 main types, immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis and transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), and ATTR amyloidosis is further divided in 2 subtypes, non-hereditary wild type ATTR and hereditary mutant variant amyloidosis. Incidence and prevalence of ATTR cardiac amyloidosis is increasing over the last years due to the improvements in diagnostic methods. Survival rates are improving due to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Tafamidis is the only disease-modifying approved therapy in ATTR amyloidosis so far. However, the most recent advances in medical therapies have added more options with the potential to become part of the therapeutic armamentarium of the disease. Agents including acoramidis, eplontersen, vutrisiran, patisiran and anti-monoclonal antibody NI006 are being investigated on cardiac function in large, multicenter controlled trials which are expected to be completed within the next 2-3 years, providing promising results in patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. However, further and ongoing research is required in order to improve diagnostic methods that could provide an early diagnosis, as well as survival and quality of life of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Kourek
- Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise and Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1 Critical Care Medicine Department, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - Alexandros Briasoulis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11528, Greece
| | - Dimitrios E Magouliotis
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Thessaly, Larissa Biopolis, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | | | - Grigorios Giamouzis
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Filippos Triposkiadis
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - John Skoularigis
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Andrew Xanthopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece.
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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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Al Badarin F, Garashi M, Aljizeeri A, Tabbalat R, Allam A, Bouyoucef SE, Chauhdary A. Appraisal of amyloidosis imaging practices in the Middle East/North Africa (PYP-MENA). EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. IMAGING METHODS AND PRACTICE 2024; 2:qyad025. [PMID: 39045179 PMCID: PMC11195776 DOI: 10.1093/ehjimp/qyad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Aims Whereas recommendations to optimize performance and yield of cardiac scintigraphy studies with bone-seeking tracers have been published, little is known about real-world adherence to these best practices, especially outside North America and Europe. Accordingly, we described imaging practices with this modality in a sample of nuclear laboratories in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region. Methods and results Laboratories performing radionuclide imaging for cardiac amyloidosis in the MENA region were invited to participate in this study to describe installed camera systems, type and dose of bone-avid tracers used, imaging protocols, and criteria used for study interpretation. Out of 19 invited sites, 10 completed the survey (70% government-run; 90% accredited), sites have been involved with amyloid imaging for a median of 49 months (interquartile range 24-60). The median injected dose was 20 mCi (range 10-25), and PYP was used by 90% of sites in this sample. Planar imaging with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) reconstruction was performed at all sites, including seven sites that performed SPECT/CT reconstruction. Lastly, only 50% of sites relied on evidence of myocardial uptake by SPECT to confirm the diagnosis of ATTR cardiomyopathy, while the rest relied on visual assessment and heart/contralateral ratio. Conclusion This study is the first to describe variation in imaging practices across sites in the MENA region, especially in acquisition protocols and interpretation standards. Eliminating heterogeneities identified by this study will harmonize image interpretation and reporting and will facilitate successful conduct of regional multi-centre studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas Al Badarin
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Masoud Garashi
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Chest Diseases Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ahmed Aljizeeri
- King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center, Ministry of National Guard, Health Affairs, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramzi Tabbalat
- National Amyloidosis Center, Abdali Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Adel Allam
- Department of Cardiology, Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Ammar Chauhdary
- Department of Cardiology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Brito D, Albrecht FC, de Arenaza DP, Bart N, Better N, Carvajal-Juarez I, Conceição I, Damy T, Dorbala S, Fidalgo JC, Garcia-Pavia P, Ge J, Gillmore JD, Grzybowski J, Obici L, Piñero D, Rapezzi C, Ueda M, Pinto FJ. World Heart Federation Consensus on Transthyretin Amyloidosis Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Glob Heart 2023; 18:59. [PMID: 37901600 PMCID: PMC10607607 DOI: 10.5334/gh.1262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive and fatal condition that requires early diagnosis, management, and specific treatment. The availability of new disease-modifying therapies has made successful treatment a reality. Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy can be either age-related (wild-type form) or caused by mutations in the TTR gene (genetic, hereditary forms). It is a systemic disease, and while the genetic forms may exhibit a variety of symptoms, a predominant cardiac phenotype is often present. This document aims to provide an overview of ATTR-CM amyloidosis focusing on cardiac involvement, which is the most critical factor for prognosis. It will discuss the available tools for early diagnosis and patient management, given that specific treatments are more effective in the early stages of the disease, and will highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and of specialized amyloidosis centres. To accomplish these goals, the World Heart Federation assembled a panel of 18 expert clinicians specialized in TTR amyloidosis from 13 countries, along with a representative from the Amyloidosis Alliance, a patient advocacy group. This document is based on a review of published literature, expert opinions, registries data, patients' perspectives, treatment options, and ongoing developments, as well as the progress made possible via the existence of centres of excellence. From the patients' perspective, increasing disease awareness is crucial to achieving an early and accurate diagnosis. Patients also seek to receive care at specialized amyloidosis centres and be fully informed about their treatment and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Brito
- Department of Cardiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, CAML, CCUL@RISE, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fabiano Castro Albrecht
- Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology – Cardiac Amyloidosis Center Dante Pazzanese Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Nicole Bart
- St Vincent’s Hospital, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nathan Better
- Cabrini Health, Malvern, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Monash University and University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Isabel Conceição
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, CHULN – Hospital de Santa Maria, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa Portugal, Portugal
| | - Thibaud Damy
- Department of Cardiology, DHU A-TVB, CHU Henri Mondor, AP-HP, INSERM U955 and UPEC, Créteil, France
- Referral Centre for Cardiac Amyloidosis, GRC Amyloid Research Institute, Reseau amylose, Créteil, France. Filière CARDIOGEN
| | - Sharmila Dorbala
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiac Amyloidosis Program, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- CV imaging program, Cardiovascular Division and Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Pablo Garcia-Pavia
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, IDIPHISA, CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Junbo Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Julian D. Gillmore
- National Amyloidosis Centre, University College London, Royal Free Campus, United Kingdom
| | - Jacek Grzybowski
- Department of Cardiomyopathy, National Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Laura Obici
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Rapezzi
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mitsuharu Ueda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan
| | - Fausto J. Pinto
- Department of Cardiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, CAML, CCUL@RISE, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Mohty D, Omer MH, Ahmad O, Alayary I, Alzahrani T, Damy T, Fadel B. Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East: insights, projected prevalence and practical applications. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1265681. [PMID: 37953763 PMCID: PMC10634293 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1265681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dania Mohty
- Heart Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Al Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed H. Omer
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Omar Ahmad
- College of Medicine, Al Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Islam Alayary
- Rare Diseases Medical Affairs, Pfizer Inc., Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Talal Alzahrani
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thibaud Damy
- Referral Center for Cardiac Amyloidosis, Department of Cardiology, Mondor Amyloidosis Network, GRC Amyloid Research Institute, Clinical Investigation Center 006, DHU A-TVB INSERM U955 all at CHU Henri Mondor, UPEC, Créteil, France
| | - Bahaa Fadel
- Heart Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Al Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Abdelghany M, Abdelhamid M, Allam A, El Etriby A, Hafez S, Ragy H, Sobhy M. Detection and Diagnosis of Cardiac Amyloidosis in Egypt. Cardiol Ther 2023; 12:197-213. [PMID: 36611101 PMCID: PMC9986164 DOI: 10.1007/s40119-022-00299-x] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac amyloidosis is a life-threatening disease that occurs when amyloid proteins, most commonly immunoglobulin light chain or transthyretin, mutate or become unstable, misfold, deposit as amyloid fibrils, and accumulate in the myocardium. Early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is hindered by insufficient awareness, specifically regarding clinical red flags and diagnostic pathways. Cardiac amyloidosis diagnosis comprises two important phases, clinical suspicion (phase one) followed by definitive diagnosis (phase two). Each phase is associated with specific clinical techniques. For example, clinical features, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging serve to raise suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis and facilitate early diagnosis, whereas laboratory tests (i.e., blood or urine electrophoresis with immunofixation), biopsy, scintigraphy-based nuclear imaging, and genetic testing provide a definitive diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis. In Egypt, both the lack of cardiac amyloidosis awareness amongst healthcare providers and the unavailability of clinical expertise for the use of diagnostic techniques must be overcome to improve the prognosis of cardiac amyloidosis in the region. Previously published diagnostic algorithms for cardiac amyloidosis have amalgamated techniques that can raise clinical suspicions of cardiac amyloidosis with those that definitively diagnose cardiac amyloidosis. Though such algorithms have been successful in developed countries, diagnostic tools like echocardiography, scintigraphy, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are not ubiquitously available across Egyptian facilities. This review presents the current state of knowledge regarding cardiac amyloidosis in Egypt and outlines a new diagnostic algorithm which leverages regional nuclear imaging expertise. Importantly, the proposed diagnostic algorithm guides accurate amyloid-typing to mitigate misdiagnosis and erroneous treatment selection and improve the cardiac amyloidosis diagnostic accuracy in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdelghany
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Magdy Abdelhamid
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Adel Allam
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Adel El Etriby
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Hany Ragy
- National Heart Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Sobhy
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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