Clinical characteristics of wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis: disproving myths

Changes of clinical characteristics, distribution of red flags and prognosis in contemporary patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy

AIM

Increased diagnostic awareness and specific disease treatments have changed the landscape of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR). Patients with wild-type ATTR (ATTRwt) are increasingly being diagnosed, potentially changing the clinical profile and prognosis compared with existing retrospective data. We aimed to study the clinical characteristics, distribution of red flags and prognosis of contemporary ATTRwt patients.

METHODS

From January 1st 2017, to December 31st 2022, 213 consecutive patients were diagnosed with ATTRwt and prospectively followed up. Data on clinical characteristics, biomarkers, echocardiography findings, hospitalization due to worsening heart failure (WHF) and all-cause mortality were collected.

RESULTS

A 37% increase in newly diagnosed patients from 2017-2019 (n = 90) vs. 2020-2022 (n = 123) was observed. The majority of patients presented with NAC disease stage I in the latter period (49% in 2017-2019 vs. 58% in 2020-2022, p = .16). Red flags were primarily cardiac-related, including elevated NT-proBNP, impaired left ventricular longitudinal systolic strain with an apical sparing pattern, heart failure with increased left ventricular wall thickness and elevated troponins. NAC disease stage I as well as low NT-proBNP levels (<1000 ng/L) were significantly associated with better survival (both p < .001). When compared with NAC disease stage II + III combined, patients with NAC disease stage I had a significantly lower risk of WHF hospitalization or death (log rank test: p = .0001). Independent predictors of the combined endpoint WHF hospitalization or death were NT-proBNP (HR 1.03 [95% CI 1.00-1.07], p < .049) and prior implantation of permanent pacemaker (HR 2.01 [1.30-3.11], p = .002).

CONCLUSION

Increased diagnostic awareness resulted in a 37% increase in newly diagnosed patients in 2020-2022 vs. 2017-2019. As expected all-cause mortality but also the morbidity in terms of risk of hospitalization with WHF were significantly lower in patients with NAC disease stage I, as well as in those with low NT-proBNP levels <1000 ng/L. These findings underline the importance of continuous attention to diagnostic awareness, as early diagnosis is critical for initiating both general and specific ATTR treatment, thus improving prognosis.

Changes in the diagnostic trajectory of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis over six years

Awareness of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) has increased over the years due to diagnostic and therapeutic developments. Timely initiation of novel disease-modifying treatments improves both morbidity and mortality, which underlines the necessity for a prompt diagnosis. Nevertheless, early diagnosis of ATTR-CM remains challenging. This is a retrospective observational cohort study of patients diagnosed with ATTR-CM. Between 2016 and 2023, 87 patients were diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis of which 65 (75%) patients with ATTR-CM and 22 (25%) patients with light chain amyloidosis. This study included 65 ATTR-CM patients (mean age 77 ± 7 years; 86% male) of whom 59 (91%) with wild-type ATTR-CM (ATTRwt) and six (9%) with variant ATTR-CM. We observed a surge in ATTR-CM diagnoses from 3 patients/year (2016-2020) to 16 patients/year (2021-2023), driven by ATTRwt. Nevertheless, the interval between the onset of heart failure symptoms and ATTR-CM diagnosis has not changed significantly (2016-2020 27.3 months [18.6-62.4]; 2021-2023 30.0 months [8.6-57.2]; p = 0.546), driven by time to referral. Red flags for ATTR-CM preceded diagnosis by several years: left ventricular hypertrophy (79%, 5.8 years [3.3-7.0]) and carpal tunnel syndrome (49%, 6.8 years [2.3-12.1]). Despite the presence of typical red flags, symptom-to-diagnosis duration has remained similar driven by time to referral. Improved recognition of red flags for ATTR-CM could reduce the time to diagnosis and improve overall recognition.

Transthyretin Amyloidosis: Role of oxidative stress and the beneficial implications of antioxidants and nutraceutical supplementation

Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis constitutes a spectrum of debilitating neurodegenerative diseases instigated by systemic extracellular deposition of partially unfolded/aggregated aberrant transthyretin. The homotetrameric protein, TTR, is abundant in the plasma, and to a lesser extent the cerebrospinal fluid. Rate-limiting tetramer dissociation of the native protein is regarded as the critical step in the formation of morphologically heterogenous toxic aggregates and the onset of clinical manifestations such as polyneuropathy, cardiomyopathy, disturbances in motor and autonomic functions. Over the past few decades there has been increasing evidence suggesting that in addition to destabilization in TTR tetramer structure, oxidative stress may also play an important role in the pathogenesis of ATTR amyloidosis. In this review, an update on the impact of oxidative stress in TTR amyloidogenesis as well as TTR aggregate-mediated pathologies is discussed. The counteracting effects of antioxidants and nutraceutical agents explored in the treatment of ATTR amyloidosis based on recent evidence is also critically examined. The insights unveiled could further strengthen current understanding of the mechanisms underlying ATTR amyloidosis as well as extend the range of strategies for effective management of ATTR amyloidoses.

Epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of cardiac amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative restrictive cardiomyopathy caused by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in the myocardium. It manifests in two primary subtypes: transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) and immunoglobulin light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL). ATTR is further classified into wild-type and hereditary based on transthyretin gene mutation. Advances in diagnostics and therapeutics have transformed CA from a rare and untreatable condition to a more prevalent and manageable disease. Noninvasive diagnostic tools such as electrocardiography, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance can raise suspicion for CA; bone scintigraphy can non-invasively confirm ATTR, while AL necessitates histological confirmation. The severity of ATTR and AL can be assessed through serum biomarker-based staging. Treatment approaches differ, ranging from silencing or stabilizing transthyretin and degrading amyloid fibrils in ATTR to employing anti-plasma cell therapies and autologous stem cell transplantation in AL.

Electrocardiographic Patterns and Arrhythmias in Cardiac Amyloidosis: From Diagnosis to Therapeutic Management-A Narrative Review

Electrophysiological aspects of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are still poorly explored compared to other aspects of the disease. However, electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities play an important role in CA diagnosis and prognosis and the management of arrhythmias is a crucial part of CA treatment. Low voltages and a pseudonecrosis pattern with poor R-wave progression in precordial leads are especially common findings. These are useful for CA diagnosis and risk stratification, especially when combined with clinical or echocardiographic findings. Both ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias are common in CA, especially in transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), and their prevalence is related to disease progression. Sustained and non-sustained ventricular tachycardias' prognostic role is still debated, and, to date, there is a lack of specific indications for implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD). On the other hand, atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia with a prevalence of up to 88% of ATTR patients. Anticoagulation should be considered irrespective of CHADsVA score. Furthermore, even if AF seems to not be an independent prognostic factor in CA, its treatment for symptom control is still crucial. Finally, conduction disturbances and bradyarrhythmias are also common, requiring pacemaker implantation in up to 40% of patients.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in severe aortic stenosis submitted to valve replacement: a multicenter study

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of TTR amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in severe aortic stenosis (SAS) patients, and to determine the independent predictors of major adverse events (MAE).Patients & methods: 91 SAS patients >65 years with an interventricular septum thickness ≥12.5 mm were referred for aortic valve replacement (AVR). 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy was applied to diagnose ATTR-CM, in the absence of monoclonal protein.Results: ATTR-CM was found in 11%. 78% of patients underwent AVR, but only 2 had ATTR-CM. There were no significant differences in the composite of all cause-mortality or cardiovascular hospitalizations. Lower left ventricle ejection fraction and not performing AVR were independent predictors of MAE.Conclusion: Not performing AVR was an independent predictor of MAE, regardless the ATTR-CM diagnosis.

Prevalence of transthyretin amyloidosis in patients undergoing carpal tunnel surgery: a prospective cohort study and risk factor analysis

Transthyretin amyloidosis is a frequent cause of heart failure, resulting from an accumulation of abnormal proteins in the myocardium. Recent research has highlighted the importance of early diagnosis to enhance the effectiveness of specific treatments. Extra-cardiac symptoms may precede several years before cardiac complications, with carpal tunnel syndrome often considered a red flag. The aim of this prospective, observational cohort study was to determine the incidence rate of positive synovial biopsies for transthyretin amyloidosis in patients aged 60-80 years undergoing carpal tunnel decompression, and to identify risk factors. The diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis was confirmed through the analysis of synovial tissue biopsies using Congo Red and immunohistochemical staining. The study included 254 patients, with an 18.5% prevalence of transthyretin amyloidosis. Risk factors for positive test results were identified as male sex, trigger finger, hearing disorders and valve disease. A predictive analysis using logistic regression yielded a probability model for individuals belonging to the positive group.Level of evidence III.

Inverse correlation between age of onset and myocardial amyloid deposition quantified by 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy in patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE

Wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM) is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to cardiac insufficiency in the elderly population. We aimed to identify the factors affecting age of onset of ATTRwt-CM, encompassing the assessment of amyloid deposition in myocardial tissue through the use of 99mTc-pyrophosphate (PYP) and clinical parameters.

METHODS

A retrospective investigation involving a consecutive cohort of 107 cases, each having been diagnosed with ATTRwt-CM confirmed through histopathological and genetic analysis, was performed. All patients underwent PYP scintigraphy, and the heart-to-contralateral (H/CL) ratio was calculated to measure amyloid deposition in the myocardium. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of the age of onset of ATTRwt-CM, considering the H/CL ratio and various clinical risk factors for heart failure.

RESULTS

Gender (p = 0.03), Creatinine (Cr) (r = 0.32, p < 0.01), hemoglobin (Hb) (r =  - 0.44, p < 0.01), albumin (Alb) (r =  - 0.32, p < 0.01), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (r = 0.21, p = 0.03), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (r =  - 0.27, p < 0.01), and H/CL ratio (r =  - 0.44, p < 0.01) were all significantly associated with the onset age. In multiple regression analysis, the independent predictive factors for the onset age of ATTRwt-CM were identified as the H/CL ratio (p < 0.01), Hb (p < 0.01), and Cr (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The H/CL ratio, Hb, and Cr independently affect age of onset in patients with ATTRwt-CM. The H/CL ratio is inversely correlated with age of onset, and may be the sole factor in the development of heart failure in early onset patients, while it may have a synergistic effect on heart failure with anemia and renal dysfunction in late-onset patients.

Prevalence and characteristics of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

AIMS

Recognition of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy is increasing due to advances in cardiac imaging and diagnostic strategies, but questions remain regarding disease frequency and characteristics. We examined the prevalence and characteristics of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in older patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy of unascertained aetiology.

METHODS AND RESULTS

TTRACK was a multicentre, non-interventional, cross-sectional epidemiologic study funded by Pfizer and conducted in 20 hospitals and medical centres in 11 countries (NCT03842163). Eligible patients were aged ≥50 years, had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (maximal end-diastolic left ventricular wall thickness ≥15 mm on echocardiogram) without an identified genetic or alternative origin at study enrolment, and underwent 99mTechnetium bone scintigraphy, with or without single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Cardiac-versus-bone uptake on scans was visually scored from 0 to 3 (Perugini scoring). Patients with grades 1-3 underwent monoclonal protein and laboratory testing and transthyretin (TTR) gene sequencing. Of 766 eligible patients, 691 (90.2%) had scintigraphy alone and 75 (9.8%) scintigraphy plus SPECT. Two hundred and eight patients (27.2%) had grade 2 or 3 cardiac uptake on scintigraphy; 144 (18.8%) had grade 2 or 3 cardiac uptake and no evidence of plasma cell dyscrasia and were diagnosed with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. Of patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, 11 (7.6%) had a pathogenic TTR gene variant and 34 (23.8%), 74 (51.7%), and 35 (24.5%) had New York Heart Association class I, II, and III/IV heart failure (HF) symptoms, respectively. Clinical and laboratory diagnostic characteristics were observed in ≥90% of patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. The characteristics most strongly associated with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy on multivariable analysis were carpal tunnel syndrome (odds ratio [OR] 54.3; P < 0.0001) and male sex (OR 7.9; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the TTRACK study, almost one in five patients ≥50 years of age with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy had transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. Greater awareness of the frequency and characteristics of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in older patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are needed to help improve early detection of this debilitating but treatable disease.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: Literature review and red-flag symptom clusters for each cardiology specialty

Wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM) is a progressive and infiltrative cardiac disorder that may cause fatal consequences if left untreated. The estimated survival time from diagnosis is approximately 3-6 years. Because of the non-specificity of initial symptom manifestation and insufficient awareness among treating physicians, approximately one-third of patients with ATTRwt-CM are initially misdiagnosed with other cardiac diseases. Although heart failure (HF) is the most common initial manifestation of ATTRwt-CM, observed in nearly 70% of affected patients, patients may also present with other cardiologic symptoms, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and aortic stenosis (AS). This non-specific and diverse nature of the initial ATTRwt-CM presentation indicates that various cardiology subspecialties are involved in patient diagnosis and management. Standard guideline-directed pharmacological treatment for HF is not recommended for patients with ATTRwt-CM because of its limited effectiveness. However, no established algorithms are available regarding HF management in this patient population. This literature review provides an overview of the red flags for ATTRwt-CM and research findings regarding HF management in this patient population. In addition to commonly recognized red flags for ATTRwt-CM (e.g., HF, AF and severe AS), published literature identified potential red flags such as coronary microvascular dysfunction. For HF management in patients with ATTRwt-CM, the use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) was reported as a well-tolerated option associated with a low discontinuation rate and reduced mortality. Although there is no concrete evidence for recommendations against sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) administration, research supporting its use is limited to small-scale studies. Robust evidence is lacking for AF ablation, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy. Based on the published findings and our clinical experience as Japanese ATTRwt-CM experts, red-flag symptom clusters for each cardiology specialty (HF, arrhythmia and ischaemia/structural heart disease) and a treatment scheme for HF management are presented. As this research area remains at an exploratory stage, our observations would require further discussion among experts worldwide.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy among patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction: the AMY score

AIMS

Transthyretin 'wild-type' amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM) is a differential diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The clinical work-up for ATTRwt-CM is challenging. Considering a combination of clinical variables specific for ATTRwt-CM might aid in identifying patients at risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixty patients (78 ± 6 years, 8% female) were diagnosed with ATTRwt-CM by endomyocardial biopsy. Preserved ejection fraction (LVEF >45%) was present in 41 of the patients. Those were 1:1 propensity score age- and sex-matched to a cohort of patients with HFpEF. ATTRwt-CM patients had less obesity (P = 0.01) and higher septal thickness (IVSd, P < 0.01) as well as more diastolic dysfunction (E/e', P < 0.01). On multivariable regression IVSd > 14 mm, E/e' > 14 and absence of obesity (P > 0.01 for all) were identified as predictors for ATTRwt-CM. A weighted point-based score was derived with IVSd > 14 mm = 1 point; absence of obesity = 2 points; and E/e' > 14 = 3 points. Area under the curve (AUC) for the summation score was 0.91 (0.84-0.97, P < 0.01) and a score of more than 3 points predicted ATTRwt-CM with good sensitivity (78%) and specificity (90%). The score was validated in an external cohort of 142 patients with ATTRwt-CM and 419 HFpEF patients showing sufficient accuracy (AUC 0.91, 0.88-0.94, P < 0.01). A value greater than 3 points demonstrated a high sensitivity (93%) and a negative predictive value of 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

A score based on basic clinical and echocardiographic features helps to distinguish ATTRwt-CM from typical HFpEF. This could facilitate the diagnostic work-up for these patients and enable earlier disease screening on a large scale.

Sex Differences in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis: Unraveling the Complexities in Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is characterised by the deposition of transthyretin amyloid fibrils in the heart. ATTR-CA affects both men and women although there is evidence of sex differences in prevalence and clinical presentation. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review paper aims to comprehensively examine and synthesise the existing literature on sex differences in ATTR-CA. RECENT FINDINGS: The prevalence of ATTR-CA is higher in males although the male predominance is more apparent in older patients in the wild type form and in TTR genetic variants that predominantly result in a cardiac phenotype in the hereditary variant. Women tend to have less left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and a higher ejection fraction at clinical presentation which may contribute to a later diagnosis although the prognosis appears to be similar in both sexes. Female sex is a predictor of a good response to tafamidis 20 mg in TTR polyneuropathy but otherwise there are no data on sex differences in the efficacy of other treatments for ATTR-CA. It is crucial to define specific sex differences in ATTR-CA. A lower cut-off value for LVH in women may be needed to improve diagnosis. It is necessary to increase female representation in clinical trials to better understand possible sex differences in therapeutic management.

Age- and Sex-Related Differences in Patients With Wild-Type Transthyretin Amyloidosis: Insights From THAOS

Background

Wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt amyloidosis) is primarily diagnosed in elderly men but diagnoses in younger patients and women have recently increased.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine age- and sex-related differences in patients with ATTRwt amyloidosis enrolled in the THAOS (Transthyretin Amyloidosis Outcomes Survey).

Methods

THAOS was a global, longitudinal, observational survey of patients with transthyretin amyloidosis, including both hereditary and wild-type disease, and asymptomatic carriers of pathogenic transthyretin gene variants. Patient characteristics at enrollment were analyzed by age at enrollment and sex (data cutoff date: August 1, 2022).

Results

Of 1,251 patients with ATTRwt amyloidosis, 13.7%, 49.1%, 34.5%, and 2.8% were aged <70 years, 70 to 79 years, 80 to 89 years, and ≥90 years, respectively. The proportion of women increased with age, from 4.1% in patients aged <70 years to 14.3% in patients aged ≥90 years. In the respective age groups, median time from symptom onset to diagnosis overall (male, female) was 1.7 (1.3, 5.2), 2.0 (2.0, 2.2), 1.8 (1.9, 0.8), and 0.7 (0.6, 2.5) years. A Karnofsky Performance Status score ≤70 was observed in 17.1%, 30.1%, 46.1%, and 44.4% of patients aged <70 years, 70 to 79 years, 80 to 89 years, and ≥90 years, respectively.

Conclusions

In this THAOS analysis of patients with ATTRwt amyloidosis, patients were diagnosed an average of 2 years after symptom onset, with the greatest diagnostic delay in women aged <70 years at 5 years. Patients were predominantly men, but the proportion of women increased with age. A substantial proportion of patients had significant functional impairment regardless of age. (Transthyretin Amyloidosis Outcome Survey [THAOS]; NCT00628745).

Importance of fourth heart sound and preserved left atrial function in wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis

AIMS

A fourth heart sound (S4) was reported to be almost never present in patients with amyloid light-chain cardiomyopathy. There have been no reports on S4 in patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM). This study aimed to clarify the clinical implications of S4 in patients with ATTRwt-CM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventy-six patients with ATTRwt-CM (mean age: 80.4 ± 5.4 years, 68 males) who had undergone phonocardiography (PCG) were retrospectively assessed. We measured S4 amplitude on digitally recorded PCG. S4 was considered to be present when its amplitude was 1.0 mm or greater on the PCG. Distinct S4 was defined as S4 with an amplitude of 2.0 mm or greater, which is usually recognizable by auscultation. According to the rhythm and presence or absence of S4, the patients were divided into three groups, namely, sinus rhythm (SR) with S4, SR without S4, and non-SR. Non-SR consisted of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia. Thirty-six patients were in SR and the remaining 40 patients were in non-SR. In the 36 patients in SR, S4 was shown by PCG to be present in 17 patients (47%), and distinct S4 was recognized in 7 patients (19%) by auscultation. In patients who were in SR, those with S4 had higher systolic blood pressure (124 ± 15 vs. 99 ± 8 mmHg, P < 0.001), lower level of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (308 [interquartile range (IQR): 165, 354] vs. 508 [389, 765] pg/mL, P = 0.034) and lower level of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (0.068 [0.046, 0.089] vs. 0.109 [0.063, 0.148] ng/mL, P = 0.042) than those without S4. There was no significant difference in left atrium (LA) volume index or LA reservoir strain between patients with S4 and without S4. Patients with S4 had more preserved LA systolic function than those without S4 (peak atrial filling velocity: 53 ± 25 vs. 34 ± 9 cm/s, P = 0.033; LA contractile strain: 4.1 ± 2.1 vs. 1.6 ± 2.0%, P = 0.012). Patients in SR without S4 had worse short-term prognosis compared with the other two groups (generalized Wilcoxon test, P = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

S4 was present in 47% of the patients in SR with ATTRwt-CM. Patients in SR without S4 had more impaired LA systolic function than those in SR with S4. The absence of S4 portends a poor short-term prognosis in patients with ATTRwt-CM.

Phenotype and prognostic factors in geriatric and non-geriatric patients with transthyretin cardiomyopathy

AIMS

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) may be an underestimated cause of heart failure among geriatric patients and represent a unique phenotype and prognostic profile.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective, observational, cohort study characterizes cardiac and extracardiac disorders at diagnosis and assesses prognosis among ATTR-CM patients based on age (geriatric vs. non-geriatric) and amyloidosis subtype (wild type, ATTRwt and hereditary, ATTRv). In total, 943 patients with ATTR-CM were included, of which 306 had ATTRv and 637 had ATTRwt. Among these, 331 (35.1%) were non-geriatric (<75 years), and 612 (64.9%) were geriatric (≥75 years). The population exhibited conduction abnormalities, atrial fibrillation and ischaemic heart disease that progressively deteriorated with age. Among ATTRwt patients, peripheral neuropathy, neurovegetative symptoms, and hearing loss were present across all age groups, but reports of carpal tunnel symptoms or surgery decreased with age. Conversely, among ATTRv patients, reports of extracardiac symptoms increased with age and Val122ILe mutation was highly prevalent among geriatric patients. The 3-year survival was higher among non-geriatric ATTR-CM patients (76%) than geriatric patients (55%) and predictors of 3-year mortality differed. Notably, predictors identified among geriatric patients were alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (HR = 1.004, 95% CI: [0.001-1.100)], troponin T hs (HR = 1.005, 95% CI: [1.001-1.120)] and tricuspid insufficiency (HR = 1.194, 95% CI: [1.02-1.230)]. Whereas, among non-geriatric patients, NT-proBNP (HR = 1.002, 95% CI: [1.02-1.04], global longitudinal strain (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: [0.922-0.989], and glomerular filtration rate (HR = 0.984, 95% CI: [0.968-1.00) were identified. We propose a 3-stage prognostic staging system combining troponin T hs (≥44 ng/L) and ALP levels (≥119 UI/L). In the geriatric population, this model discriminated survival more precisely than the National Amyloidosis Centre staging, particularly for classifying between stage 1 (82%), stage 2 (50%) and stage 3 (32%) for ATTRv and ATTRwt.

CONCLUSIONS

These diagnostic and prognostic indicators, along with ATTR subtype, highlight the distinct characteristics of this important, geriatric ATTR-CM patient group. Recognizing these mortality markers can be valuable for geriatricians to improve the prognostic quality management of geriatric patients with ATTR-CM.

Long-term tafamidis efficacy in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy by baseline left ventricular ejection fraction

AIMS

Patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) present with diverse left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This study assessed tafamidis efficacy by baseline LVEF in the phase 3 Tafamidis in Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial (ATTR-ACT) and its long-term extension (LTE) study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients were randomized to 30 months of tafamidis or placebo treatment in ATTR-ACT. On completion, patients could join an LTE study to receive tafamidis. All-cause mortality (death, heart transplant, or cardiac mechanical assist device implantation) from baseline to the end of follow-up was assessed in patients continuously treated with tafamidis (80 mg meglumine or 61 mg free acid) or delayed tafamidis treatment (placebo in ATTR-ACT; tafamidis in the LTE study) according to baseline LVEF (<50% or ≥50%). Supportive outcomes were evaluated over a shorter follow-up. Patients with baseline LVEF <50% (n = 177: 88 tafamidis- and 89 placebo-treated) had signs of more severe heart failure, a higher proportion were Black, and had variant ATTR-CM than those with LVEF ≥50% (n = 171: 85 tafamidis- and 86 placebo-treated). At the end of follow-up (median 60-64 months), all-cause mortality was numerically higher in patients with baseline LVEF <50%; however, consistent with supportive findings, continuous tafamidis treatment was associated with a 47% reduction in mortality risk compared with delayed tafamidis treatment in patients with LVEF <50% and ≥50% (hazard ratio 0.53 [95% confidence interval 0.367-0.758]; p < 0.001, and 0.53 [0.344-0.818]; p < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Early initiation of tafamidis is associated with reduced mortality in patients with ATTR-CM, irrespective of initial LVEF value.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01994889, NCT02791230.

Evaluation of the 2021 ESC recommendations for family screening in hereditary transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

AIMS

The 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) screening recommendations for individuals carrying a pathogenic transthyretin amyloidosis variant (ATTRv) are based on expert opinion. We aimed to (i) determine the penetrance of ATTRv cardiomyopathy (ATTRv-CM) at baseline; (ii) examine the value of serial evaluation; and (iii) establish the yield of first-line diagnostic tests (i.e. electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and laboratory tests) as per 2021 ESC position statement.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 159 relatives (median age 55.6 [43.2-65.9] years, 52% male) at risk for ATTRv-CM from 10 centres. The primary endpoint, ATTRv-CM diagnosis, was defined as the presence of (i) cardiac tracer uptake in bone scintigraphy; or (ii) transthyretin-positive cardiac biopsy. The secondary endpoint was a composite of heart failure (New York Heart Association class ≥II) and pacemaker-requiring conduction disorders. At baseline, 40/159 (25%) relatives were diagnosed with ATTRv-CM. Of those, 20 (50%) met the secondary endpoint. Indication to screen (≤10 years prior to predicted disease onset and absence of extracardiac amyloidosis) had an excellent negative predictive value (97%). Other pre-screening predictors for ATTRv-CM were infrequently identified variants and male sex. Importantly, 13% of relatives with ATTRv-CM did not show any signs of cardiac involvement on first-line diagnostic tests. The yield of serial evaluation (n = 41 relatives; follow-up 3.1 [2.2-5.2] years) at 3-year interval was 9.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening according to the 2021 ESC position statement performs well in daily clinical practice. Clinicians should adhere to repeating bone scintigraphy after 3 years, as progressing to ATTRv-CM without signs of ATTRv-CM on first-line diagnostic tests or symptoms is common.

Clinical outcomes of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia in wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: a proposed treatment strategy for catheter ablation in each arrhythmia

AIMS

Wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM) is often accompanied by atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter (AFL), and atrial tachycardia (AT), which are difficult to control because beta-blockers and antiarrhythmic drugs can worsen heart failure (HF). This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) for AF/AFL/AT in patients with ATTRwt-CM and propose a treatment strategy for CA.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cohort study was conducted on 233 patients diagnosed with ATTRwt-CM, including 54 who underwent CA for AF/AFL/AT. The background of each arrhythmia and the details of the CA and its outcomes were investigated. The recurrence-free rate of AF/AFL/AT overall in ATTRwt-CM patients with multiple CA was 70.1% at 1-year, 57.6% at 2-year, and 44.0% at 5-year follow-up, but CA significantly reduced all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 0.342, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.133-0.876, P = 0.025], cardiovascular mortality (HR: 0.378, 95% CI: 0.146-0.981, P = 0.045), and HF hospitalization (HR: 0.488, 95% CI: 0.269-0.889, P = 0.019) compared with those without CA. There was no recurrence of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent AFL, non-CTI-dependent simple AFL terminated by one linear ablation, and focal AT originating from the atrioventricular (AV) annulus or crista terminalis eventually. Twelve of 13 patients with paroxysmal AF and 27 of 29 patients with persistent AF did not have recurrence as AF. However, all three patients with non-CTI-dependent complex AFL not terminated by a single linear ablation and 10 of 13 cases with focal AT or multiple focal ATs originating beyond the AV annulus or crista terminalis recurred even after multiple CA.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of CA for ATTRwt-CM were acceptable, except for multiple focal AT and complex AFL. Catheter ablation may be aggressively considered as a treatment strategy with the expectation of improving mortality and hospitalization for HF.

A case of pulmonary transthyretin amyloidosis with concurrent mycobacterial tuberculosis infection

Amyloidosis is a pathological deposition disease that causes a spectrum of organ dysfunction. Pulmonary involvement is generally associated with immunoglobulin light chain type (AL) amyloid. Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloid build up in the lung is thought to be a senile disease observed usually as a finding at autopsy. We describe a case of pulmonary ATTR amyloidosis with concurrent mycobacterial tuberculosis infection.

Clinical characteristics of patients with high extracellular volume fraction evaluated by cardiac computed tomography for coronary artery evaluation

Aims

This study aims to evaluate the distribution of extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography, clinical characteristics of high extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography, and the rate of incidental detection of cardiac amyloidosis in patients undergoing cardiac computed tomography for coronary artery evaluation.

Methods and results

This study included 874 consecutive patients (mean age, 74.4 ± 7.1 years; men, 65%), comprising men aged ≥60 years and women aged ≥70 years, who had undergone cardiac computed tomography between January 2020 and September 2022. The mean extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography was 29.7 ± 5.2%, and 108 patients (12.4%) had an extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography of ≥35%. Older age (75.9 ± 8.2 years vs. 74.2 ± 6.9 years; P = 0.042), male sex (75.9% vs. 63.0%; P = 0.007), impaired left ventricular ejection fraction, increased high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and increased left ventricular thickness showed significant associations with an extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography of ≥35%. Cardiac amyloidosis was diagnosed incidentally in 15 patients based on an increase in extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography. The prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis was 1.7% (15/874) and 14.3% (15/105) in the entire study population and in patients with an extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography of ≥35%, respectively. An increase in the extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography was suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis.

Conclusion

Elevated extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography, associated with elevated cardiac biomarker levels and myocardial structural changes, may lead to the incidental diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis.

The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications of Phenocopies and Mimics of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common myocardial disease defined by increased left ventricular wall thickness unexplained by loading conditions. HCM frequently is caused by pathogenic variants in sarcomeric protein genes, but several other syndromic, metabolic, infiltrative, and neuromuscular diseases can result in HCM phenocopies. This review summarizes the current understanding of these HCM mimics, highlighting their importance across the life course. The central role of a comprehensive, multiparametric diagnostic approach and the potential of precision medicine in tailoring treatment strategies are emphasized.

Clinical suspicion, diagnosis and management of cardiac amyloidosis: update document and executive summary

In recent years, the interest in cardiac amyloidosis has grown exponentially. However, there is a need to improve our understanding of amyloidosis in order to optimise early detection systems. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate solutions to improve the suspicion, diagnosis and follow-up of cardiac amyloidosis. In this sense, we designed a tool following the different phases to reach the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis, as well as an optimal follow-up: a) clinical suspicion, where the importance of the "red flags" to suspect it and activate the diagnostic process is highlighted; 2) diagnosis, where the diagnostic algorithm is mainly outlined; and 3) follow-up of confirmed patients. This is a practical resource that will be of great use to all professionals caring for patients with suspected or confirmed cardiac amyloidosis, to improve its early detection, as well as to optimise its accurate diagnosis and optimal follow-up.

Clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with cardiac amyloidosis- a single center observational study

Amyloidosis is a disease characterized by the deposition of protein fibrils. Cardiac involvement is a significant factor in determining prognosis. This study aimed to examine the clinical profile, outcomes, and long-term mortality rates in patients with transthyretin (ATTR) and amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. The retrospective cohort study included 94 patients with amyloidosis (69 with AL and 25 with ATTR amyloidosis) diagnosed between 2010 and 2022. The study involved multimodality imaging (ECG, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) data and survival analyses. Patients with ATTR amyloidosis were older and had a higher proportion of males compared to those with AL amyloidosis. Cardiac involvement was more prevalent in the ATTR group, including atrial fibrillation (AF), while pleural and pericardial effusion were more frequent in the AL group. Biomarkers such as NT-proBNP and troponin T were significantly elevated in both groups and were associated with all-cause mortality only in univariate analyses. CMR data, especially typical late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was not associated with increased mortality, while pleural effusion and left atrial dilatation on echocardiography were identified as powerful predictors of mortality. In conclusion, both AL and ATTR amyloidosis exhibited poor outcomes. Cardiac involvement, particularly dilated left atrium and pleural effusion on echocardiography were associated with an increased risk of mortality, while typical LGE on CMR was not.

Gender Differences in the Evaluation and Management of New Acute CHF Due to ATTRwt Cardiac Amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis can be grouped into two main categories: immunoglobulin light chain (AL) and transthyretin (hATTR or hereditary and ATTRwt or wild type). Cardiac infiltration of misfolded proteins can lead to significant infiltrative processes and subsequent heart failure. Diagnosis of ATTRwt heavily relies on clinical suspicion, as it typically appears later in life and is limited to the heart. It is routinely reported that ATTRwt significantly affects males more than females; however, older patients diagnosed with ATTRwt and those diagnosed at autopsy are significantly more likely to be female. Earlier, a more precise diagnosis in females could detect disease at an earlier stage and expedite treatment.

Cardiac Amyloidosis Due to Transthyretin Protein: A Review

Importance

Systemic amyloidosis from transthyretin (ATTR) protein is the most common type of amyloidosis that causes cardiomyopathy.

Observations

Transthyretin (TTR) protein transports thyroxine (thyroid hormone) and retinol (vitamin A) and is synthesized predominantly by the liver. When the TTR protein misfolds, it can form amyloid fibrils that deposit in the heart causing heart failure, heart conduction block, or arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation. The biological processes by which amyloid fibrils form are incompletely understood but are associated with aging and, in some patients, affected by inherited variants in the TTR genetic sequence. ATTR amyloidosis results from misfolded TTR protein deposition. ATTR can occur in association with normal TTR genetic sequence (wild-type ATTR) or with abnormal TTR genetic sequence (variant ATTR). Wild-type ATTR primarily manifests as cardiomyopathy while ATTR due to a genetic variant manifests as cardiomyopathy and/or polyneuropathy. Approximately 50 000 to 150 000 people in the US have heart failure due to ATTR amyloidosis. Without treatment, heart failure due to ATTR amyloidosis is associated with a median survival of approximately 5 years. More than 130 different inherited genetic variants in TTR exist. The most common genetic variant is Val122Ile (pV142I), an allele with an origin in West African countries, that is present in 3.4% of African American individuals in the US or approximately 1.5 million persons. The diagnosis can be made using serum free light chain assay and immunofixation electrophoresis to exclude light chain amyloidosis combined with cardiac nuclear scintigraphy to detect radiotracer uptake in a pattern consistent with amyloidosis. Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, torsemide, and bumetanide, are the primary treatment for fluid overload and symptomatic relief of patients with ATTR heart failure. An ATTR-directed therapy that inhibited misfolding of the TTR protein (tafamidis, a protein stabilizer), compared with placebo, reduced mortality from 42.9% to 29.5%, reduced hospitalizations from 0.7/year to 0.48/year, and was most effective when administered early in disease course.

Conclusions and Relevance

ATTR amyloidosis causes cardiomyopathy in up to approximately 150 000 people in the US and tafamidis is the only currently approved therapy. Tafamidis slowed progression of ATTR amyloidosis and improved survival and prevented hospitalization, compared with placebo, in people with ATTR-associated cardiomyopathy.

Prevalence of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in patients admitted for acute heart failure

INTRODUCTION

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is an underdiagnosed cause of AHF that benefits from a specific approach. The aim was to determine the prevalence of ATTR-CM among patients hospitalized for AHF.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted on consecutive patients aged 60 or older admitted for acute AHF without cardiogenic shock.

RESULTS

The study included 103 patients, a total of 16 patients (15.5 %) were compatible with ATTR-CM. The ATTR-CM group showed a higher septal wall thickness (18.1 mm vs. 11.8 mm; P = 0.001), lower systolic excursion of the tricuspid annular plane (15 mm vs. 18.3 mm, P = 0.014), and S wave of the right ventricle (8 cm/s vs. 9.2 cm/s P=0.032).

CONCLUSION

ATTR-CM is an underdiagnosed condition, there are some variables associated with its diagnosis. The coexistence with other comorbidities causing AHF, highlights the importance of considering screening for this cardiomyopathy in adults hospitalized for AHF.

Sex differences in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is a progressive disease characterized by the deposition of abnormal transthyretin protein fibrils in the heart, leading to cardiac dysfunction. Recent evidence suggests that sex differences may play a significant role in various steps of ATTR-CA, including clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, disease progression, and treatment outcomes. ATTR-CA predominantly affects men, whereas women are older at presentation. Women generally present with a history of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and/or carpal tunnel syndrome. When indexed, left ventricular (LV) wall thickness is equal, or even increased, than men. Women also have smaller LV cavities, more preserved ejection fractions, and apparently a slightly worse right ventricular and diastolic function. Given the under-representation on women in clinical trials, no data regarding sex influence on the treatment response are currently available. Finally, it seems there are no differences in overall prognosis, even if premenopausal women may have a certain level of myocardial protection. Genetic variations, environmental factors, and hormonal changes are considered as potential contributors to observed disparities. Understanding sex differences in ATTR-CA is vital for accurate diagnosis and management. By considering these differences, clinicians can improve diagnostic accuracy, tailor treatments, and optimize outcomes for both sexes with ATTR-CA.

Cardiac scintigraphy and echocardiography assessment in the diagnosis of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

The aim is to evaluate the diagnostic yield of echocardiography and [99mTc]Tc-DPD scintigraphy in the detection of amyloid cardiomyopathy (CM) and define potential prognostic echocardiographic parameters. 133 patients were retrospectively studied, from 2016 to 2021, with a mean age of 80.2 ± 7.5 years. The final diagnosis was established according to international consensus. Patients had a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and [99mTc]Tc-DPD scintigraphy; RWT, E/e, LS, TAPSE, SAB, and IWT scores were calculated. All patients with ATTR-CM were classified into 3 prognostic stages and were compared with Perugini grades and echocardiographic parameters. CM was confirmed in 85 cases (63.9%), 76 (57.1%) ATTR-CM, and 9 (6.8%) AL-CM. The diagnostic yield of [99mTc]Tc-DPD scintigraphy and echocardiography were calculated, with a sensitivity of 90.7%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, and NPV of 87.2% in myocardial scintigraphy, versus 74.6%, 62.5%, 75.6%, 61.2% in the echocardiogram. According to the IWT score, most patients were classified in the intermediate group; 33 presented with grade 2-3 uptakes. Significant results were obtained when comparing Perugini score with IWT (p: 0.02) and SAB (p: 0.03); and between biomarkers stages and LVEF (p: 0.028), E/e´ (p: 0.001), and GLS% (p: 0.022). [99mTc]Tc-DPD scintigraphy is superior in diagnosing CA. SAB could be the most reliable parameter in an early diagnostic phase, showing a strong correlation with Perugini grades 2 and 3.

Amyloid Burden Correlates with Electrocardiographic Findings in Patients with Cardiac Amyloidosis-Insights from Histology and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is associated with several distinct electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. However, the impact of amyloid depositions on ECG parameters is not well investigated. We therefore aimed to assess the correlation of amyloid burden with ECG and test the prognostic power of ECG findings on outcomes in patients with CA. Consecutive CA patients underwent ECG assessment and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), including the quantification of extracellular volume (ECV) with T1 mapping. Moreover, seven patients underwent additional amyloid quantification using immunohistochemistry staining of endomyocardial biopsies. A total of 105 CA patients (wild-type transthyretin: 74.3%, variant transthyretin: 8.6%, light chain: 17.1%) were analyzed for this study. We detected correlations of total QRS voltage with histologically quantified amyloid burden (r = -0.780, p = 0.039) and ECV (r = -0.266, p = 0.006). In patients above the ECV median (43.9%), PR intervals were significantly longer (p = 0.016) and left anterior fascicular blocks were more prevalent (p = 0.025). In our survival analysis, neither Kaplan-Meier curves (p = 0.996) nor Cox regression analysis detected associations of QRS voltage with adverse patient outcomes (hazard ratio: 0.995, p = 0.265). The present study demonstrated that an increased amyloid burden is associated with lower voltages in CA patients. However, baseline ECG findings, including QRS voltage, were not associated with adverse outcomes.

Exploring Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy: A Comprehensive Review of the Disease and Upcoming Treatments

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a mutation-based genetic disorder due to the accumulation of unstable transthyretin protein and presents with symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) and numerous extracardiac symptoms like carpal tunnel syndrome and neuropathy. Two subtypes of ATTR-CM are hereditary and wild-type, both of which have different risk factors, gender prevalence and major clinical symptoms. Timely usage of imaging modalities like echocardiography, cardiac magnetic imaging resonance, and cardiac scintigraphy has made it possible to suspect ATTR-CM in patients presenting with CHF. Management of ATTR-CM includes appropriate treatment for heart failure for symptomatic relief, prevention of arrhythmias and heart transplantation for nonresponders. With the recent approval of tafamidis in the successful management of ATTR-CM, numerous potential therapeutic points have been identified to stop or delay the progression of ATTR-CM. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of ATTR-CM and insights into its novel therapeutics and upcoming treatments.

Feasibility and safety of left bundle branch area pacing in cardiac amyloidosis. A single center experience

BACKGROUND

Conventional right ventricle (RV) pacemaker stimulation has been associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Left bundle branch area pacing (LABPP) has been suggested as a promising alternative. We sought to assess the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of LABPP in patients with CA.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed echocardiography and pacing parameters and clinical outcomes in 23 consecutive patients with CA and LBBAP implanted from June 2020 to October 2022.

RESULTS

LBBAP was successfully performed in 22 over 23 patients (19 male, 78.6 ± 11.7 years, 20 ATTR, mean LVEF 45.5 ± 16.2%). After the procedure, 9 patients showed Qr pattern and 11 a qR pattern in V1 on ECG. Average procedure time was 67 ± 28 min. After 7.7 ± 5.2 months follow-up, no procedure-related complications had occurred. Although, a significant reduction in QRS width (p = .001) was achieved, we did not observe significant changes in LVEF and Nt ProBNP at 6 months of follow-up. Pacing parameters were stable during follow-up: LBB capture threshold and R wave amplitude were 1.0 ±  0.5 V and 10.6 ± 6.0 mV versus 0.8 ±  0.1 V, p = .21 and 10.6 ± 5.1 mV (p = .985) at follow up.

CONCLUSION

LBBAP is safe and feasible pacing technique for patients with CA. LBBAP is associated with significant narrowing of QRSd without worsening in LVEF and Nt-proBNP.

Iatrogenic intramuscular hematoma of the oblique muscles as a complication of technetium-99m-labeled pyrophosphate imaging-based computed tomography-guided core-needle biopsy in a patient with wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

Technetium-99m-labeled pyrophosphate imaging-based computed tomography-guided core-needle biopsy of the internal oblique muscle with tracer uptake is a safe and sensitive extracardiac screening biopsy. It can provide histopathological confirmation of the deposition of amyloid transthyretin in patients with wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. This case report presents the case of a 73-year-old man receiving triple anti-thrombotic therapy for atrial flutter and coronary stenting who underwent this biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. The biopsy needle reached the internal oblique muscle via the external oblique muscle between the skin and the target. A type 1 intramuscular hematoma involving these muscles developed subsequently; however, manual compression hemostasis prevented further increase in size. Since this biopsy often targets elderly patients receiving anti-thrombotic therapy who are at high risk of bleeding owing to multimorbidity and polypharmacy, efforts should be made to reduce the frequency of complications, particularly bleeding, which can lead to the development of intramuscular hematoma.

Tafamidis Efficacy Among Octogenarian Patients in the Phase 3 ATTR-ACT and Ongoing Long-Term Extension Study

BACKGROUND

Tafamidis was approved to treat patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) on the basis of findings from the phase 3 Tafamidis in Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial (ATTR-ACT).

OBJECTIVES

This study was a post hoc analysis exploring tafamidis efficacy in octogenarian patients.

METHODS

Analysis of patients aged <80 and ≥80 years in ATTR-ACT and its ongoing open-label long-term extension (LTE) study, where all patients receive tafamidis.

RESULTS

After 30 months in ATTR-ACT, least squares (LS) mean change from baseline in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary (KCCQ-OS) score were smaller (all P < 0.05) in patients aged ≥80 years treated with tafamidis (n = 51) vs placebo (n = 37). At the LTE study interim analysis, patients aged ≥80 years treated continuously with tafamidis had a smaller decline in KCCQ-OS score (P < 0.05) and trended toward longer median survival (45 vs 27 months; all-cause mortality HR: 0.6828 [95% CI: 0.4048-1.1517]; P = 0.1526) than those initially treated with placebo in ATTR-ACT. Similar efficacy was observed in patients aged <80 years in ATTR-ACT, including smaller LS mean change from baseline in 6MWT distance, NT-proBNP concentration, and KCCQ-OS score, and lower rate of cardiovascular-related hospitalizations with tafamidis (n = 125) vs placebo (n = 140). In the LTE study, patients aged <80 years treated continuously with tafamidis had a longer median survival (80 vs 41 months; HR = 0.4513 [95% CI: 0.3176-0.6413]; P < 0.0001) and a smaller decline in KCCQ-OS score than those initially treated with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings demonstrate tafamidis efficacy for patients with ATTR-CM both in those aged <80 and those aged ≥80 years. (Tafamidis in Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial [ATTR-ACT]; NCT01994889/Long-term Safety of Tafamidis in Subjects With Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy; NCT02791230).

Myocardial structural and functional changes in cardiac amyloidosis: insights from a prospective observational patient registry

AIMS

The pathophysiological hallmark of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is the deposition of amyloid within the myocardium. Consequently, extracellular volume (ECV) of affected patients increases. However, studies on ECV progression over time are lacking. We aimed to investigate the progression of ECV and its prognostic impact in CA patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Serial cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examinations, including ECV quantification, were performed in consecutive CA patients. Between 2012 and 2021, 103 CA patients underwent baseline and follow-up CMR, including ECV quantification. Median ECVs at baseline of the total (n = 103), transthyretin [(ATTR) n = 80], and [light chain (AL) n = 23] CA cohorts were 48.0%, 49.0%, and 42.6%, respectively. During a median period of 12 months, ECV increased significantly in all cohorts [change (Δ) +3.5% interquartile range (IQR): -1.9 to +6.9, P < 0.001; Δ +3.5%, IQR: -2.0 to +6.7, P < 0.001; and Δ +3.5%, IQR: -1.6 to +9.1, P = 0.026]. Separate analyses for treatment-naïve (n = 21) and treated (n = 59) ATTR patients revealed that the median change of ECV from baseline to follow-up was significantly higher among untreated patients (+5.7% vs. +2.3%, P = 0.004). Survival analyses demonstrated that median change of ECV was a predictor of outcome [total: hazard ratio (HR): 1.095, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.047-1.0145, P < 0.001; ATTR: HR: 1.073, 95% CI: 1.015-1.134, P = 0.013; and AL: HR: 1.131, 95% CI: 1.041-1.228, P = 0.003].

CONCLUSION

The present study supports the use of serial ECV quantification in CA patients, as change of ECV was a predictor of outcome and could provide information in the evaluation of amyloid-specific treatments.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with cardiac amyloidosis: Results of a multicentre registry

BACKGROUND

Descriptions on impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are lacking. Our aim was to describe the prognosis of those patients.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study of unvaccinated patients with CA who developed SARS-CoV-2 infection enrolled in eleven centres (March 2020 to May 2021). Descriptive analysis of basal characteristics, hospitalization, mortality, and severe clinical course was performed. Comparisons to a population-based control group were made.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were identified. Most patients had wild-type transthyretin CA (61%) and were on NYHA Class II-III (80.5%). CA patients were commonly hospitalized (73.2%) and those were more symptomatic than outpatients (p=0.035). The 24.4% of CA patients died as consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with CA had an increased risk of hospitalization [OR 6.23 (3.05-12.74), p<0.001] and mortality [OR 2.18 (1.01-4.68), p=0.047] when compared to control population after adjustment by age and sex. After a medium follow-time of 311 days, 41.5% of the CA cohort died.

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with high mortality and hospitalization rates in patients with CA, which exceed that expected by their sex and advanced age.

Development and Validation of a Prediction Model and Score for Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis Diagnosis: T-Amylo

BACKGROUND

Although transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is often underdiagnosed, clinical suspicion is essential for early diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a feasible prediction model and score to facilitate the diagnosis of ATTR-CA.

METHODS

This retrospective multicenter study enrolled consecutive patients who underwent 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy for suspected ATTR-CA. ATTR-CA was diagnosed if Grade 2 or 3 cardiac uptake was evidenced on 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy in the absence of a detectable monoclonal component or by demonstration of amyloid by biopsy. A prediction model for ATTR-CA diagnosis was developed in a derivation sample of 227 patients from 2 centers using multivariable logistic regression with clinical, electrocardiography, analytical, and transthoracic echocardiography variables. A simplified score was also created. Both of them were validated in an external cohort (n = 895) from 11 centers.

RESULTS

The obtained prediction model combined age, gender, carpal tunnel syndrome, interventricular septum in diastole thickness, and low QRS interval voltages, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. The score had an AUC of 0.86. Both the T-Amylo prediction model and the score showed a good performance in the validation sample (ie, AUC: 0.84 and 0.82, respectively). They were tested in 3 clinical scenarios of the validation cohort: 1) hypertensive cardiomyopathy (n = 327); 2) severe aortic stenosis (n = 105); and 3) heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (n = 604), all with good diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

The T-Amylo is a simple prediction model that improves the prediction of ATTR-CA diagnosis in patients with suspected ATTR-CA.

Incidence and determinants of atrial fibrillation in patients with wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Data on the incidence and factors associated with de novo atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt-CA) is limited. We described the incidence and factors associated with de novo AF in patients diagnosed with ATTRwt-CA to drive tailored arrhythmia screening.

METHODS

Multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study performed in six referral centers for CA. All consecutive patients diagnosed with ATTRwt-CA between 2004 and 2020 with >6-month follow up (FU) were enrolled and divided into three groups according to presence of AF: (1)patients with 'known AF'; (2)patients in 'sinus rhythm' and (3)patients developing 'de novo AF' during FU. Incidence and factors associated with AF in patients with ATTRwt were the primary outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 266 patients were followed for a median of 19 [11-33] months: 148 (56%) with known AF, 84 (31.6%) with sinus rhythm, and 34 (12.8%) with de novo AF. At Fine-Gray competing risk analysis to account for mortality, PR (sub-distribution hazard ratio [SHR] per Δms: 1.008, 95% C.I. 1.001-1.013, p = 0.008), QRS (SHR per Δms: 1.012, 95% C.I. 1.001-1.022, p = 0.046) and left atrial diameter ≥ 50 mm (SHR: 2.815,95% C.I. 1.483-5.342, p = 0.002) were associated with de novo AF. Patients with at least two risk factors (PR ≥ 200 ms, QRS ≥ 120 ms or LAD≥50 mm) had a higher risk of developing de novo AF compared to patients with no risk factors (HR 14.918 95% C.I. 3.242-31.646, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

At the end of the study almost 70% patients had AF. Longer PR and QRS duration and left atrial dilation are associated with arrhythmia onset.

Detection of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy by automated data extraction from electronic health records

AIMS

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), a progressive and fatal cardiomyopathy, is frequently misdiagnosed or entails diagnostic delays, hindering patients from timely treatment. This study aimed to generate a systematic framework based on data from electronic health records (EHRs) to assess patients with ATTR-CM in a real-world population of heart failure (HF) patients. Predictive factors or combinations of predictive factors related to ATTR-CM in a European population were also assessed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Retrospective unstructured and semi-structured data from EHRs of patients from OLV Hospital Aalst, Belgium (2012-20), were processed using natural language processing (NLP) to generate an Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model database. NLP model performance was assessed on a random subset of EHRs by comparing algorithm outputs to a physician-generated standard (using precision, recall, and their harmonic mean, or F1-score). Of the 3127 HF patients, 103 potentially had ATTR-CM (age 78 ± 9 years; male 55%; ejection fraction of 48% ± 16). The mean diagnostic delay between HF and ATTR-CM diagnosis was 1.8 years. Besides HF and cardiomyopathy-related phenotypes, the strongest cardiac predictor was atrial fibrillation (AF; 72% in ATTR-CM vs. 60% in non-ATTR-CM, P = 0.02), whereas the strongest non-cardiac predictor was carpal tunnel syndrome (21% in ATTR-CM vs. 3% in non-ATTR-CM, P < 0.001). The strongest combination predictor was AF, joint disorders, and HF with preserved ejection fraction (29% in ATTR-CM vs. 18% in non-ATTR-CM: odds ratio = 2.03, 95% confidence interval = 1.28-3.22).

CONCLUSIONS

Not only well-known variables associated with ATTR-CM but also unique combinations of cardiac and non-cardiac phenotypes are able to predict ATTR-CM in a real-world HF population, aiding in early identification of ATTR-CM patients.

Cardiac Amyloidosis Patient With Cardiac Conduction Disturbances

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) has recently been diagnosed more because of advances in diagnostic techniques, such as 99mTc-labeled pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) scintigraphy. ATTR-CA remains poorly diagnosed by many physicians, except for cardiologists and neurologists, and by patients. In this manuscript, we present a patient who was recommended to undergo a close examination but developed cardiac conduction disturbances and defects due to delays in the examination and treatment initiation. The patient was a 72-year-old Japanese man treated for hypertension at our hospital for approximately 30 years. The patient was diagnosed with left ventricular hypertrophy at 62 years old and hospitalized for heart failure at 68 years old. ATTR-CA was suspected by 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy performed at 70 years old, and a skin biopsy was performed. However, the skin biopsy did not confirm the diagnosis, and myocardial biopsy was recommended, which was declined by the patient. He finally consented to myocardial biopsy 2 years later, leading to the diagnosis of ATTR-CA at 72 years old. However, the patient had atrial fibrillation and a complete atrioventricular block. If ATTR-CA were widely recognized and understood, it might have been diagnosed and treated before the cardiac conduction disturbances appeared. It is essential to have an understanding and appropriate examinations for ATTR-CA based on sufficient explanation and consent.

Diagnostic significance of paradoxical left ventricular hypertrophy in detecting cardiac amyloidosis

Background

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) progresses rapidly with a poor prognosis. Therefore, methods for early diagnosis that are easily accessible in any hospital, are required. We hypothesized that based on the pathology of CA, morphological left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) without electrical augmentation, namely paradoxical LVH, could be used to diagnose CA. This study aimed to investigate whether paradoxical LVH has diagnostic significance in identifying CA in patients with LVH.

Methods

Patients who presented with left ventricular (LV) wall thickness ≥ 12 mm on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were enrolled from a multicentre CMR registry. Paradoxical LVH was defined as a LV wall thickness ≥ 12 mm on CMR, SV1 + RV5 < 3.5 mV, and a lack of secondary ST-T abnormalities. The diagnostic significance of paradoxical LVH in identifying CA was assessed.

Results

Of the 110 patients enrolled, 30 (27 %) were diagnosed with CA and 80 (73 %) with a non-CA aetiology. The CA group demonstrated paradoxical LVH more frequently than the non-CA group (80 % vs. 16 %, P < 0.001). It was an independent predictor for detecting CA in patients with LVH (odds ratio: 33.44, 95 % confidence interval: 8.325-134.3, P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predict value, negative predict value and accuracy of paradoxical LVH for CA detection were 80 %, 84 %, 65 %, 92 % and 83 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Paradoxical LVH can be used for identifying CA in patients with LVH. Our findings could contribute to the early diagnosis of CA, even in non-specialized hospitals.

Transthyretin amyloid deposition in ligamentum flavum (LF) is significantly correlated with LF and epidural fat hypertrophy in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a degenerative disease characterized by intermittent claudication and numbness in the lower extremities. These symptoms are caused by the compression of nerve tissue in the lumbar spinal canal. Ligamentum flavum (LF) hypertrophy and spinal epidural lipomatosis in the spinal canal are known to contribute to stenosis of the spinal canal: however, detailed mechanisms underlying LSS are still not fully understood. Here, we show that surgically harvested LFs from LSS patients exhibited significantly increased thickness when transthyretin (TTR), the protein responsible for amyloidosis, was deposited in LFs, compared to those without TTR deposition. Multiple regression analysis, which considered age and BMI, revealed a significant association between LF hypertrophy and TTR deposition in LFs. Moreover, TTR deposition in LF was also significantly correlated with epidural fat (EF) thickness based on multiple regression analyses. Mesenchymal cell differentiation into adipocytes was significantly stimulated by TTR in vitro. These results suggest that TTR deposition in LFs is significantly associated with increased LF hypertrophy and EF thickness, and that TTR promotes adipogenesis of mesenchymal cells. Therapeutic agents to prevent TTR deposition in tissues are currently available or under development, and targeting TTR could be a potential therapeutic approach to inhibit LSS development and progression.

Incidence and survival of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy from a French nationwide study of in- and out-patient databases

BACKGROUND

Precise data about ATTR-CM incidence rates at national level are scarce. Consequently, this study aimed to estimate the annual incidence and survival of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in France between 2011 and 2019 using real world data. We used the French nationwide exhaustive data (SNDS database) gathering in- and out-patient claims. As there is no specific ICD-10 marker code for ATTR-CM, diagnosis required both amyloidosis (identified by E85. ICD-10 code or a tafamidis meglumine delivery) and a cardiovascular condition (identified by ICD-10 or medical procedure codes related to either heart failure, arrhythmias, conduction disorders or cardiomyopathies), not necessarily reported at the same visit. Patients with probable AL-form of amyloidosis or probable AA-form of amyloidosis were excluded.

RESULTS

Between 2011 and 2019, 8,950 patients with incident ATTR-CM were identified. Incidence rates increased from 0.6 / 100,000 person-years in 2011 to 3.6 / 100,000 person-years in 2019 (p < 0.001), reaching 2377 new cases in 2019. Sex ratios (M/F) increased from 1.52 in 2011 to 2.23 in 2019. In 2019, median age at diagnosis was 84.0 years (85.5 for women and 83.5 for men). Median survival after diagnosis was 41.9 months (95% CI [39.6, 44.1]).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first estimate of nationwide ATTR-CM incidence in France using comprehensive real-world databases. We observed an increased incidence over the study period, consistent with an improvement in ATTR-CM diagnosis in recent years.

Cardiac amyloidosis and aortic stenosis: a state-of-the-art review

Cardiac amyloidosis is caused by the extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils in the heart, involving not only the myocardium but also any cardiovascular structure. Indeed, this progressive infiltrative disease also involves the cardiac valves and, specifically, shows a high prevalence with aortic stenosis. Misfolded protein infiltration in the aortic valve leads to tissue damage resulting in the onset or worsening of valve stenosis. Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis and aortic stenosis coexist in patients > 65 years in about 4-16% of cases, especially in those undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Diagnostic workup for cardiac amyloidosis in patients with aortic stenosis is based on a multi-parametric approach considering clinical assessment, electrocardiogram, haematologic tests, basic and advanced echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and technetium labelled cardiac scintigraphy like technetium-99 m (99mTc)-pyrophosphate, 99mTc-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid, and 99mTc-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate. However, a biopsy is the traditional gold standard for diagnosis. The prognosis of patients with coexisting cardiac amyloidosis and aortic stenosis is still under evaluation. The combination of these two pathologies worsens the prognosis. Regarding treatment, mortality is reduced in patients with cardiac amyloidosis and severe aortic stenosis after undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to understand whether the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis could affect therapeutic strategies. The aim of this review is to critically expose the current state-of-art regarding the association of cardiac amyloidosis with aortic stenosis, from pathophysiology to treatment.

World Heart Federation Consensus on Transthyretin Amyloidosis Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)

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.

The patient pathway in ATTR-CM in Greece and how to improve it: A multidisciplinary perspective

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is an underdiagnosed disease associated with high mortality rates and the patient journey is characterized by increased complexities. Accurate and timely diagnosis and prompt initiation of disease-modifying treatment constitute the contemporary unmet need in ATTR-CM. ATTR-CM diagnosis is characterized by considerable delays and high rates of misdiagnosis. The majority of patients present themselves to primary care physicians, internists, and cardiologists, and many have undergone repeated medical evaluations before an accurate diagnosis has been made. The disease is diagnosed mainly after the development of heart failure symptoms, reflecting a long course of missed opportunities before diagnosis and disease-modifying treatment initiation. Early referral to experienced centers ensures prompt diagnosis and therapy. Early diagnosis, better care coordination, acceleration of digital transformation and reference networks, encouragement of patient engagement, and implementation of rare disease registries are the key pillars to improve the ATTR-CM patient pathway and achieve important benefits in ATTR-CM outcomes.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic implications of orthopedic ligament disorders in patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt) is associated with multiple ligament disorders (LD) such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), and spontaneous tendon rupture (STR). No studies have investigated the prevalence of these LD in the same cohort of ATTRwt patients. Furthermore, the clinical characteristics and prognostic implications of such disorders have not been studied.

METHODS

From 2017 to 2022, 206 consecutive patients with ATTRwt were diagnosed and followed prospectively to the time of death or the censoring date of September 1st, 2022. Patients with and without LD were compared, and the presence of LD was used along with the baseline clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic characteristics to predict hospitalization with worsening heart failure and death.

RESULTS

CTS surgery was performed in 34 % of the patients, 8 % were treated for LSS, and 10 % had experienced an STR. The median follow-up time was 706 days (312-1067). Hospitalization with worsening heart failure occurred more frequently in patients with LD compared to patients without LD (p = 0.035). Presence of LD or surgery for CTS were found to be independent predictors of worsening heart failure with a hazard ratio of 2.0 (p = 0.01). The mortality was comparable between patients with and without LD (p = 0.10).

CONCLUSION

Orthopedic disorders are prevalent in ATTRwt cardiomyopathy, and presence of LD was an independent predictor of hospitalization with worsening heart failure.

The Transthyretin Amyloidosis - Quality of Life (ATTR-QOL) Questionnaire: Development of a Conceptual Model and Disease-Specific Patient-Reported Outcome Measure

Purpose

Patients with transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) experience a wide variety of symptoms and impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the lack of an ATTR-specific patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure has made consistent measurement of HRQoL in ATTR challenging. This paper describes the development of a conceptual model and subsequent content for the Transthyretin Amyloidosis - Quality of Life Questionnaire (ATTR-QOL), an ATTR-specific PRO measure.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, non-interventional, US-based study. The study design included three stages: 1) a targeted literature review followed by qualitative data collection with patients and experts; 2) development of a conceptual model and PRO measure; and 3) review of the PRO measure using a modified Delphi method, translatability assessment, and interviews with patients and experts. Revisions were made to the measure after each round of review.

Results

Forty-four patients and 29 experts participated in this study. The conceptual model included two primary concepts of interest: symptoms (cardiac, neuropathic-peripheral, neuropathic-autonomic, and other) and impacts (eg, physical, role, and mental/emotional functioning). Seventy-two items were created (32 symptoms; 40 impacts) to align with the model. A recall period of one month was selected based on participant input.

Conclusion

The ATTR-QOL was created with significant patient involvement and guidance from a multidisciplinary group of experts. The mix of patient and clinical perspectives helped to ensure a balanced representation of all relevant disease experiences and clinical specialties. With further refinement from psychometric testing, the ATTR-QOL will provide a standard, comprehensive measure for all ATTR-specific research including both clinical trials and clinical practice.