1
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Muchtar E, Dispenzieri A, Magen H, Grogan M, Mauermann M, McPhail ED, Kurtin PJ, Leung N, Buadi FK, Dingli D, Kumar SK, Gertz MA. Systemic amyloidosis from A (AA) to T (ATTR): a review. J Intern Med 2021; 289:268-292. [PMID: 32929754 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Systemic amyloidosis is a rare protein misfolding and deposition disorder leading to progressive organ failure. There are over 15 types of systemic amyloidosis, each caused by a different precursor protein which promotes amyloid formation and tissue deposition. Amyloidosis can be acquired or hereditary and can affect various organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, nerves, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, muscles, skin and soft tissues. Symptoms are usually insidious and nonspecific resulting in diagnostic delay. The field of amyloidosis has seen significant improvements over the past decade in diagnostic accuracy, prognosis prediction and management. The advent of mass spectrometry-based shotgun proteomics has revolutionized amyloid typing and has led to the discovery of new amyloid types. Accurate typing of the precursor protein is of paramount importance as the type dictates a specific management approach. In this article, we review each type of systemic amyloidosis to provide the practitioner with practical tools to improve diagnosis and management of these rare disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Muchtar
- From the, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - A Dispenzieri
- From the, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - H Magen
- Hematology Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - M Grogan
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - M Mauermann
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - E D McPhail
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - P J Kurtin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - N Leung
- From the, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - F K Buadi
- From the, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - D Dingli
- From the, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - S K Kumar
- From the, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - M A Gertz
- From the, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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2
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Bonderman D, Pölzl G, Ablasser K, Agis H, Aschauer S, Auer-Grumbach M, Binder C, Dörler J, Duca F, Ebner C, Hacker M, Kain R, Kammerlander A, Koschutnik M, Kroiss AS, Mayr A, Nitsche C, Rainer PP, Reiter-Malmqvist S, Schneider M, Schwarz R, Verheyen N, Weber T, Zaruba MM, Badr Eslam R, Hülsmann M, Mascherbauer J. Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac amyloidosis: an interdisciplinary consensus statement. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2020; 132:742-761. [PMID: 33270160 PMCID: PMC7732807 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-020-01781-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence and significance of cardiac amyloidosis have been considerably underestimated in the past; however, the number of patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis has increased significantly recently due to growing awareness of the disease, improved diagnostic capabilities and demographic trends. Specific therapies that improve patient prognosis have become available for certain types of cardiac amyloidosis. Thus, the earliest possible referral of patients with suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis to an experienced center is crucial to ensure rapid diagnosis, early initiation of treatment, and structured patient care. This requires intensive collaboration across several disciplines, and between resident physicians and specialized centers. The aim of this consensus statement is to provide guidance for the rapid and efficient diagnosis and treatment of light-chain amyloidosis and transthyretin amyloidosis, which are the most common forms of cardiac amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Bonderman
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gerhard Pölzl
- Department of Medicine III (Cardiology and Angiology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klemens Ablasser
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hermine Agis
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Aschauer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Auer-Grumbach
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jakob Dörler
- Department of Medicine III (Cardiology and Angiology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Franz Duca
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Ebner
- Internal Department II of Cardiology, Angiology and Internal Intensive Medicine, Elisabethinen Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Marcus Hacker
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Renate Kain
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Kammerlander
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Koschutnik
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Agnes Mayr
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Nitsche
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter P Rainer
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Matthias Schneider
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Schwarz
- Specialist in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Ried im Innkreis, Austria
| | - Nicolas Verheyen
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Weber
- Department of Internal Medicine 2 (Cardiology & Intensive Care), University Teaching Hospital Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen, Wels, Austria
| | - Marc Michael Zaruba
- Department of Medicine III (Cardiology and Angiology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Roza Badr Eslam
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Hülsmann
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Mascherbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Chih S, McDonald M, Dipchand A, Kim D, Ducharme A, Kaan A, Abbey S, Toma M, Anderson K, Davey R, Mielniczuk L, Campbell P, Zieroth S, Bourgault C, Badiwala M, Clarke B, Belanger E, Carrier M, Conway J, Doucette K, Giannetti N, Isaac D, MacArthur R, Senechal M. Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Cardiac Transplant Network Position Statement on Heart Transplantation: Patient Eligibility, Selection, and Post-Transplantation Care. Can J Cardiol 2020; 36:335-356. [PMID: 32145863 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2019.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant practice-changing developments have occurred in the care of heart transplantation candidates and recipients over the past decade. This Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Cardiac Transplant Network Position Statement provides evidence-based, expert panel recommendations with values and preferences, and practical tips on: (1) patient selection criteria; (2) selected patient populations; and (3) post transplantation surveillance. The recommendations were developed through systematic review of the literature and using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The evolving areas of importance addressed include transplant recipient age, frailty assessment, pulmonary hypertension evaluation, cannabis use, combined heart and other solid organ transplantation, adult congenital heart disease, cardiac amyloidosis, high sensitization, and post-transplantation management of antibodies to human leukocyte antigen, rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, and long-term noncardiac care. Attention is also given to Canadian-specific management strategies including the prioritization of highly sensitized transplant candidates (status 4S) and heart organ allocation algorithms. The focus topics in this position statement highlight the increased complexity of patients who undergo evaluation for heart transplantation as well as improved patient selection, and advances in post-transplantation management and surveillance that have led to better long-term outcomes for heart transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Chih
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Michael McDonald
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne Dipchand
- Labatt Family Heart Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Kim
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anique Ducharme
- Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Susan Abbey
- Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mustafa Toma
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kim Anderson
- Halifax Infirmary, Department of Medicine-Cardiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ryan Davey
- University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Mielniczuk
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Christine Bourgault
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec, Québec
| | - Mitesh Badiwala
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network and Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Michel Carrier
- Department of Surgery, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jennifer Conway
- Stollery Children's Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Debra Isaac
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Mario Senechal
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Université Laval, Laval, Québec, Canada
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4
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Emdin M, Aimo A, Rapezzi C, Fontana M, Perfetto F, Seferović PM, Barison A, Castiglione V, Vergaro G, Giannoni A, Passino C, Merlini G. Treatment of cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis: an update. Eur Heart J 2020; 40:3699-3706. [PMID: 31111153 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is a tetrameric protein synthesized mostly by the liver. As a result of gene mutations or as an ageing-related phenomenon, TTR molecules may misfold and deposit in the heart and in other organs as amyloid fibrils. Cardiac involvement in TTR-related amyloidosis (ATTR) manifests typically as left ventricular pseudohypertrophy and/or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. ATTR is an underdiagnosed disorder as well as a crucial determinant of morbidity and mortality, thus justifying the current quest for a safe and effective treatment. Therapies targeting cardiac damage and its direct consequences may yield limited benefit, mostly related to dyspnoea relief through diuretics. For many years, liver or combined heart and liver transplantation have been the only available treatments for patients with mutations causing ATTR, including those with cardiac involvement. The therapeutic options now include several pharmacological agents that inhibit hepatic synthesis of TTR, stabilize the tetramer, or disrupt fibrils. Following the positive results of a phase 3 trial on tafamidis, and preliminary findings on patisiran and inotersen in patients with ATTR-related neuropathy and cardiac involvement, we provide an update on this rapidly evolving field, together with practical recommendations on the management of cardiac involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Emdin
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology Department, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Aimo
- Cardiology Division, University Hospital of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Rapezzi
- Cardiology Division, University Hospital of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Fontana
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, 62 Huntley St, Fitzrovia, London, UK.,National Amyloidosis Centre, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Gower Street, London, UK
| | - Federico Perfetto
- Regional Amyloid Centre, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Largo Piero Palagi 1, Florence, Italy.,Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Piero Palagi 1, Florence, Italy
| | - Petar M Seferović
- Department of Internal Medicine, Belgrade University School of Medicine, Dr Subotica 8, Belgrade, Serbia.,Cardiology Department, University Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heroja Milana Tepića 1, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andrea Barison
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology Department, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Castiglione
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology Division, University Hospital of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vergaro
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology Department, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Giannoni
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology Department, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Passino
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology Department, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Merlini
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Camillo Golgi 19, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Via C Forlanini 6, Pavia, Italy
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5
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Theodorakakou F, Fotiou D, Dimopoulos MA, Kastritis E. Solid Organ Transplantation in Amyloidosis. Acta Haematol 2020; 143:352-364. [PMID: 32535598 DOI: 10.1159/000508262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Amyloidosis comprises a diverse group of diseases characterized by misfolding of precursor proteins which eventually form amyloid aggregates and preceding intermediaries, which are deposited in target tissues causing progressive organ damage. In all forms of amyloidosis, vital organs may fail; depending on the specific amyloidosis type, this may occur rapidly or progress slowly. Beyond therapies to reduce the precursor protein (chemotherapy for light chain [AL] amyloidosis, anti-inflammatory therapy in serum A amyloid-osis [AA], and antisense RNA therapy in transthyretin amyloidosis [ATTR]), organ transplantation may also be a means to reduce amyloidogenic protein, e.g., in types of amyloid-osis in which the variant precursor is produced by the liver. Heart transplantation is a life-saving approach to the treatment of patients with advanced cardiac amyloidosis; however, amyloidosis may still be considered a contraindication to the procedure despite data supporting improved outcomes, similar to patients with other indications. Kidney transplantation is associated with particularly favorable outcomes in patients with amyloidosis, especially if the precursor protein has been eliminated. Overall, outcomes of solid organ transplantation are improving, but more data are needed to refine the selection criteria and the timing for organ transplantation, which should be performed in highly experienced centers involving multidisciplinary teams with close patient follow-up to detect amyloid recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteini Theodorakakou
- Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Fotiou
- Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Meletios A Dimopoulos
- Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios Kastritis
- Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece,
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6
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Thomas VE, Smith J, Benson MD, Dasgupta NR. Amyloidosis: diagnosis and new therapies for a misunderstood and misdiagnosed disease. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2019; 9:289-299. [PMID: 31686587 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2019-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloidosis is a group of diseases characterized by extracellular deposition of amyloid fibril complexes. Fibril deposition results in organ dysfunction and possible failure. Amyloidosis is regarded as a rare disease, but in general is underdiagnosed. The two main types of systemic amyloidosis are immunoglobulin light chain and transthyretin amyloidosis. The increased availability of noninvasive cardiac imaging, genetic testing and improved laboratory assays and protein identification methods have led to increased diagnosis. However, in many cases, the diagnosis is not made until the patient develops organ impairment. Earlier diagnosis is required to prevent irreversible organ failure. Novel treatments for immunoglobulin light chain and transthyretin amyloidosis that halt disease progression, prolong and increase quality of life have recently become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E Thomas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Justin Smith
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Merrill D Benson
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Noel R Dasgupta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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7
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Abstract
"Cardiac amyloidosis" is the term commonly used to reflect the deposition of abnormal protein amyloid in the heart. This process can result from several different forms, most commonly from light-chain (AL) amyloidosis and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis, which in turn can represent wild-type (ATTRwt) or genetic form. Regardless of the origin, cardiac involvement is usually associated with poor prognosis, especially in AL amyloidosis. Although several treatment options, including chemotherapy, exist for different forms of the disease, cardiac transplantation is increasingly considered. However, high mortality on the transplantation list, typical for patients with amyloidosis, and suboptimal post-transplant outcomes are major issues. We are reviewing the literature and summarizing pros and cons of listing patients with amyloidosis for cardiac or combine organ transplant, appropriate work-up, and intermediate and long-term outcomes. Both AL and ATTR amyloidosis are included in this review.
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9
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Abstract
The heart and the kidneys are the most commonly involved organs in systemic amyloidosis. Cardiac involvement is associated with an increased morbidity, treatment intolerance, and poorer overall survival. The most common types of amyloidosis that are associated with cardiac involvement include light chain (AL) amyloidosis and transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (both mutant and wild type). The traditional first-line treatment for AL amyloidosis includes alkylator-based chemotherapy or high-dose melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Novel agents, including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, and monoclonal antibodies, have shown promising activity in both frontline and relapsed settings. Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) followed by ASCT has led to superior outcomes compared to OHT alone. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the first-line treatment for TTR amyloidosis. However, progression of cardiac amyloidosis after OLT is often noted due to deposition of wild TTR. Combined OLT and OHT also has a role in treatment and leads to superior outcomes in carefully selected candidates. Pharmacologic agents, including diflunisal, tafamidis, small interfering ribonucleic acid, and doxycycline, have shown promising activity in stabilizing TTR from misfolding into fibrils and are being actively investigated. Best supportive care and management of heart failure symptoms with diuretics are a mainstay of treatment in all cardiac amyloidosis subtypes. Robust data on the benefit of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or beta blockers in amyloid cardiomyopathy is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eli Muchtar
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Morie A Gertz
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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10
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Bhogal S, Ladia V, Sitwala P, Cook E, Bajaj K, Ramu V, Lavie CJ, Paul TK. Cardiac Amyloidosis: An Updated Review With Emphasis on Diagnosis and Future Directions. Curr Probl Cardiol 2017; 43:10-34. [PMID: 29173805 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac amyloidosis occurs because of abnormal protein (amyloid) deposition in the cardiac tissue. Even with advanced diagnostic techniques and treatments, the prognosis of amyloidosis remains poor. The diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis particularly needs to be in the differential in patients presenting with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This entity remains underdiagnosed due to lack of suspicion on the part of many clinicians. Involvement of cardiac tissue is the utmost determinant factor for available treatment options and prognosis. Many cases of cardiac amyloidosis usually remain undiagnosed or diagnosed only in advanced stages when treatment options are limited and associated with poor survival. Hence, early recognition of cardiac amyloidosis is indispensable in halting the disease process before irreversible changes occur. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent updates in the evaluation and management of cardiac amyloidosis and to discuss potential future treatments options.
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Abstract
Amyloidosis is a disease in which proteins misfold, aggregate into fibrils, and deposit extracellularly disrupting organ architecture and function. There are two main types which affect the heart: light chain (AL) amyloidosis and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR). There is a misconception that cardiac amyloidosis has no effective treatment options. However, over the past decade, there has been extensive research and drug development. Outcomes are improving in AL amyloidosis with evolving chemotherapeutic regimens and novel monoclonal antibodies. In ATTR, therapies that decrease protein production, prevent dissociation, and promote clearance have the potential to slow or even halt a disease which is uniformly fatal. Selected patients may be candidates for heart and/or stem cell transplant and should be promptly referred to an experienced amyloid program. Herein, we discuss the emerging advances for the treatment of cardiac amyloidosis.
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12
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Gertz MA, Benson MD, Dyck PJ, Grogan M, Coelho T, Cruz M, Berk JL, Plante-Bordeneuve V, Schmidt HHJ, Merlini G. Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapy of Transthyretin Amyloidosis. J Am Coll Cardiol 2016; 66:2451-2466. [PMID: 26610878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.09.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Transthyretin amyloidosis is a fatal disorder that is characterized primarily by progressive neuropathy and cardiomyopathy. It occurs in both a mutant form (with autosomal dominant inheritance) and a wild-type form (with predominant cardiac involvement). This article guides clinicians as to when the disease should be suspected, describes the appropriate diagnostic evaluation for those with known or suspected amyloidosis, and reviews the interventions currently available for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morie A Gertz
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
| | | | - Peter J Dyck
- Division of Peripheral Nerve, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Martha Grogan
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Marcia Cruz
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro of Brazil, University Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - John L Berk
- Amyloidosis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Giampaolo Merlini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Lombardy, Italy
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13
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Palladini G, Milani P, Merlini G. Novel strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac amyloidosis. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2015; 13:1195-211. [PMID: 26496239 DOI: 10.1586/14779072.2015.1093936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic amyloidoses are rare, complex diseases caused by misfolding of autologous protein. The presence of heart involvement is the most important prognostic determinant. The diagnosis of amyloid cardiac involvement relies on echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging, while scintigraphy with bone tracers is helpful in differentiating light chain amyloidosis from other types of amyloidosis involving the heart. Although these diseases are fatal, effective treatments exist that can alter their natural history, provided that they are started before irreversible cardiac damage has occurred. Refined diagnostic techniques, accurate patients' stratification based on biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction, the availability of novel, more powerful drugs, and ultimately, the unveiling of the cellular mechanisms of cardiac damage created a favorable environment for a dramatic improvement in the treatment of this disease that we expect in the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Palladini
- a Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Milani
- a Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Merlini
- a Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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