Long term outcomes of cardiac transplant for immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: The Mayo Clinic experience

Cardiac Amyloidosis: State-of-the-Art Review in Molecular Pathology

Amyloidosis refers to a group of diseases caused by extracellular deposits of misfolded proteins, which alter tissue function and structure, potentially affecting any organ. The term "amyloid" was introduced in the 19th century and later associated with pathological protein deposits. Amyloid fibrils, which are insoluble and resistant to degradation, originate from soluble proteins that undergo misfolding. This process can be triggered by several factors, such as aging, elevated protein concentrations, or pathogenic variants. Amyloid deposits damage organs both by disrupting tissue architecture and through direct cytotoxic effects, leading to conditions such as heart failure. Amyloidosis can be classified into acquired or inherited forms and can be systemic or localized. Diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis is complex and often requires tissue biopsies, which are supported by Congo Red dye staining. In some cases, bisphosphonate bone scans may provide a less invasive diagnostic option. In this state-of-the-art review, we focus on the most common forms of cardiac amyloidosis, from epidemiology to therapy, emphasizing the differences in molecular mechanisms and the importance of pathological diagnosis for appropriate treatment using a multidisciplinary approach.

Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Contemporary Review of Medical and Surgical Therapy

Amyloidosis is a systemic disease initiated by deposition of misfolded proteins in the extracellular space, due to which multiple organs may be affected concomitantly. Cardiac amyloidosis, however, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this population due to infiltrative /restrictive cardiomyopathy. This review attempts to focus on contemporary medical and surgical therapies for the different types of cardiac amyloidosis. Amyloidosis affecting the heart are predominantly of the transthyretin type (acquired in the older or genetic in the younger patients), and the monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain (AL) type which is solely acquired. A rare form of secondary amyloidosis AA type can also affect the heart due to excessive production and accumulation of the acute-phase protein called Serum Amyloid A" (SAA) in the setting of chronic inflammation, cancers or autoinflammatory disease. More commonly AA amyloidosis is seen in the liver and kidney. Other rare types are Apo A1 and Isolated Atrial Amyloidosis (AANF). Medical therapies have made important strides in the clinical management of the two common types of cardiac amyloidosis. Surgical therapies such as mechanical circulatory support and cardiac transplantation should be considered in appropriate patients. Future research using AI driven algorithms for early diagnosis and treatment as well as development of newer genetic engineering technologies will drive improvements in diagnosis, treatment and patient outcomes.

Cardiac Amyloidosis: Clinical Features, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Cardiac amyloidosis is a type of amyloidosis that deserves special attention as organ involvement significantly worsens the prognosis. Cardiac amyloidosis can be grouped under three main headings: immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis that is dependent on amyloidogenic monoclonal light chain production; hereditary Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis that results from accumulation of mutated TTR; and wild-type (non-hereditary) TTR amyloidosis formerly known as senile amyloidosis. Although all three types cause morbidity and mortality due to severe heart failure when untreated, they contain differences in their pathogenesis, clinical findings, and treatment. In this article, the clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment methods of cardiac amyloidosis will be explained with an overview, and an awareness will be raised in the diagnosis of this disease.

AL amyloidosis: Singapore Myeloma Study Group consensus guidelines on diagnosis, treatment and management

AL amyloidosis is the most common form of systemic amyloidosis. However, the non-specific nature of presenting symptoms requires the need for a heightened clinical suspicion to detect unexplained manifestations in the appropriate clinical setting. Early detection and treatment are crucial as the degree of cardiac involvement emerges as a primary prognostic predictor of survival in a patient with AL amyloidosis. Following the diagnosis of AL amyloidosis with appropriate tissue biopsies, prompt treatment with a bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone-based first-line induction with or without daratumumab should be initiated. The goal of treatment is to achieve the best haematologic response possible, ideally with involved free light chain <20 mg/L, as it offers the best chance of organ function improvement. Treatment should be changed if patients do not achieve a partial response within 2 cycles of treatment or very good partial response after 4 cycles or after autologous stem cell transplant, as achievement of profound and prolonged clonal responses translates to better organ response and long-term outcomes. Early involvement of multidisciplinary subspecialists such as renal physicians, cardiologists, neurologists, and gastroenterologists for optimal maintenance and support of involved organs is recommended for optimal management of patients with AL amyloidosis.

Evaluation of contemporary echocardiographic and histomorphology parameters in predicting mortality in patients with endomyocardial biopsy-proven cardiac AL amyloidosis

Introduction

This study examined the role of echocardiographic and cardiac histomorphology parameters in predicting mortality in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis.

Methods

Patients with endomyocardial biopsy-proven cardiac AL amyloidosis treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center between 6/2011 and 6/2020 were identified. Stored echocardiographic images and endomyocardial biopsy samples were processed for myocardial strain analysis and a detailed histomorphology characterization.

Results

Of 43 patients; 44% were women and 63% white. Median age was 65 years; 51% underwent stem cell transplantation (SCT). Thirty patients (70%) died during follow up (median follow up: 4.1 years). Lower LA strain (<13.5%) and absence of SCT as a time-varying covariate were significantly associated with increased risk of death in the multivariate cox regression analysis. Higher LV mass and lower RV tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion were associated with increased odds of having ≥5% interstitial amyloid deposition on biopsy in the multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion

Lower LA strain independently predicted mortality in our cohort, and its performance in the routine assessment of AL amyloidosis may be beneficial. Furthermore, SCT for cardiac AL amyloidosis was associated with improved OS. These findings need to be confirmed by larger studies in the era of contemporary systemic therapies.

A Review of Cardiac amyloidosis: Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Amyloidosis is a group of disorders that can affect almost any organ due to the misfolding of proteins with their subsequent deposition in various tissues, leading to various disease manifestations based on the location. When the heart is involved, amyloidosis can manifest with a multitude of presentations such as heart failure, arrhythmias, orthostatic hypotension, syncope, and pre-syncope. Diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis can be difficult due to the non-specific nature of symptoms and the relative rarity of the disease. Amyloidosis can remain undiagnosed for years, leading to its high morbidity and mortality due to this delay in diagnosis. Newer imaging modalities, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, advanced echocardiography, and biomarkers, make a timely cardiac amyloidosis diagnosis more feasible. Many treatment options are available, which have provided new hope for this patient population. This manuscript will review the pathology, diagnosis, and treatment options available for cardiac amyloidosis and provide a comprehensive overview of this complicated disease process.

Heart Transplantation, Either Alone or Combined With Liver and Kidney, a Viable Treatment Option for Selected Patients With Severe Cardiac Amyloidosis

Heart transplantation in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) patients is possible and generally considered for transplantation if other organs are not affected. In this study, we aimed to describe and assess outcome in patients following heart transplantations at our CA referral center.

Methods

We assessed all CA patients that had heart transplantations at our center between 2005 and 2018. Patients with New York Heart Association status 3 out of 4, with poor short-term prognosis due to heart failure, despite treatment, and without multiple myeloma, systemic disease, severe neuropathic/digestive comorbidities, cancer, or worsening infections were eligible for transplantation. Hearts were transplanted by bicaval technique. Standard induction and immunosuppressive therapies were used. Survival outcome of CA patients after transplantation was compared with recipients with nonamyloid pathologies in France.

Results

Between 2005 and 2018, 23 CA patients had heart transplants: 17 (74%) had light chain (light chain amyloidosis [AL]) and 6 (26%) had hereditary transthyretin (hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis [ATTRv]) CA. Also, 13 (57%) were male, and the mean age at diagnosis was 56.5 y (range, 47.7-62.8). Among AL patients, 13 had heart-only and 5 had heart-kidney transplantations. Among ATTRv patients, 1 had heart-only and 5 had heart-liver transplantations. The 1-y survival rate after transplantation was 78%, 70% with AL, and 100% with ATTRv. At 2 y, 74% were alive: 65% with AL and 100% with ATTRv.

Conclusion

After heart transplantation, French CA and nonamyloid patients have similar survival outcomes. Among CA patients, ATTRv patients have better prognosis than those with AL, possibly due to the combined heart-liver transplantation. Selected CA patients should be considered for heart transplantations.

Supportive Care and Symptom Management for Patients With Immunoglobulin Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis

Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a disorder of clonal plasma cells characterized by deposition of amyloid fibrils in a variety of tissues, leading to end-organ injury. Renal or cardiac involvement is most common, though any organ outside the central nervous system can develop amyloid deposition, and symptomatic presentations may consequently vary. The variability and subtlety of initial clinical presentations may contribute to delayed diagnoses, and organ involvement is often quite advanced and symptomatic by the time a diagnosis is established. Additionally, while organ function can improve with plasma-cell-directed therapy, such improvement lags behind hematologic response. Consequently, highly effective supportive care, including symptom management, is essential to improve quality of life and to maximize both tolerance of therapy and likelihood of survival. Considering the systemic nature of the disease, close collaboration between clinicians is essential for effective management.

Outcomes of heart transplantation in cardiac amyloidosis: an updated systematic review

Cardiac amyloidosis is one of the most common infiltrative cardiomyopathies that is characterized by the extracellular deposition of misfolded fibrillar protein. Several studies have previously found that patients with amyloid in the past have performed poorly after heart transplantation. Recent advancements in treatments have been made that have significantly improved outcomes in these patients. The study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of heart transplantation in cardiac amyloidosis. We systematically searched EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases on 30 December 2021 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We identified 22 studies that examined 42,951 patients with cardiac amyloidosis of which only 1,329 patients underwent isolated heart transplantation. Seven studies reported individual patient data. The results of 123 patients have been pooled for analysis. There were 70 male patients, 45 female patients, and eight patients who did not report their gender. Among the types of amyloids, 63 (51%) patients were found to have light chain amyloidosis (AL) and 33 (27%) patients had transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Only 41 patients (33.3%) reported a monoclonal component. There were 30 patients with AL that underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (ASCT). The mean survival of 24 out of 30 patients was 4.33 years. In addition, the reported data include 13 patients requiring intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), six with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and four with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). With the current advancements in treatments in combination with a multidisciplinary approach and careful patient selection, patients undergoing heart transplantation for amyloidosis may have encouraging results in the current era. Further studies will be needed to evaluate the outcomes of heart transplantation in amyloidosis patients now that several advances have been made in the field.

Trends and Outcomes of Patients with Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Listed for Heart Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Heart transplantation in patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy (ACM) has been historically underutilized due to the risk of amyloid recurrence.

METHODS

Using data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database on patients listed for single-organ heart transplant between 2010 and 2019, we evaluated trend in heart transplant, and compared waitlist mortality and graft survival between patients with ACM and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Also, we evaluated for independent predictors of outcomes.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 411 ACM adult patients with ACM were added to the heart transplant waitlist. In the propensity-matched cohorts, the rates of waitlist mortality was significantly higher for ACM compared to DCM (HR=1.75, 95%CI=1.16-2.65). Over the study period, 330 ACM patients underwent heart transplant. The number of transplants increased from 22 in 2010 to 59 in 2019 (168% increase). The 5-year graft survival rate was however significantly worse for ACM (78%) compared to DCM (82%) (HR=1.46, 1.03-2.08). We identified two predictors of graft failure among ACM patients, namely, renal failure requiring dialysis (HR=5.4, 1.6-17) and prior history of malignancy (HR=1.6, 1.0-28). ACM patients with neither of the risk factor had 5-year graft survival of 82% that is comparable to DCM (HR=1.28, 0.90-1.91). On the other hand, ACM patients with either of the risk factor had worse 5-year graft survival of 62% (HR=2.44, 1.39-4.28).

CONCLUSION

Increasing number of ACM patients are undergoing heart transplant. Although ACM patients experience higher waitlist mortality and worse graft survival compared to DCM, selecting carefully screened ACM patients may result in improved outcomes following heart transplant.

Guidelines for high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation for systemic AL amyloidosis: EHA-ISA working group guidelines

AL amyloidosis is a systemic amyloidosis and is associated with an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia. High dose intravenous melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation was developed for the treatment of AL amyloidosis in the early 1990s and was prompted by its success in multiple myeloma. This application has evolved significantly over the past three decades. These guidelines provide a comprehensive assessment of eligibility criteria, stem cell collection and mobilisation strategies and regimens, risk-adapted melphalan dosing, role for induction and consolidation therapies, specific supportive care management, long-term outcome with respect to survival, haematologic response and relapse and organ responses following stem cell transplantation. These guidelines are developed by the experts in the field on behalf of the stem cell transplant working group of the International Society of Amyloidosis (ISA) and European Haematology Association (EHA).

State-of-the-art review on management of end-stage heart failure in amyloidosis: transplant and beyond

Cardiac involvement occurs in light-chain (AL), transthyretin wild-type (wtATTR), and hereditary (hATTR) amyloidosis; other types of amyloidosis account for < 5% of all cardiac amyloidosis (CA). CA can present subclinically on screening, insidiously with symptoms such as exertional dyspnea, or abruptly as cardiogenic shock. Initially, CA patients were thought to be poor candidates for transplant due to short long-term survival; however, there is a marked improvement in heart and multi-organ transplant outcomes over the past 10 years with newer treatments and improvements in support with temporary and durable mechanical circulatory support while awaiting transplant. Patients with AL CA were reported to have worse post-OHT outcomes than patients with ATTR CA, but this gap is quickly closing with improved patient selection, novel chemotherapeutics, and perhaps with selected use of bone marrow transplantation. Waitlist mortality and transplantation rates have markedly improved for CA after the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) policy change in October 2018. In this review, we will evaluate contemporary data from the last 5 years on advances in the field of transplantation and mechanical circulatory support in this patient population.

Misconceptions and Facts About Cardiac Amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis is an important clinical entity associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although the signs and symptoms can be apparent early in the disease course, diagnoses are often made late because of inadequate recognition. A diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis requires careful scrutiny of a patient's symptoms, an electrocardiogram, and imaging studies, including echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Further evaluation is required through the measurement of serum and urine light chains and the use of bone scintigraphy imaging to differentiate transthyretin amyloidosis from light-chain cardiac amyloidosis. The available treatments have expanded tremendously in recent years and have improved outcomes in the population with this disorder. Thus, it has become increasingly important to diagnose cardiac amyloidosis and provide timely therapies. This article will clarify the various misconceptions about cardiac amyloidosis and provide a framework for primary care providers to better identify this disease in their practice.

Cardiac Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support in Amyloidosis

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Cardiac transplantation for amyloidosis was once considered contraindicated owing to unacceptably high morbidity/mortality rates.

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Increased therapeutic options for AL and ATTR amyloidosis and improved pre-transplantation screening practices have led to markedly improved transplant outcomes over the past 10-15 years.

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Mechanical circulatory support options remain limited but can be considered in selected patients, particularly for those with larger ventricular cavities.

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Transplant prioritization rules may need to be reconsidered for amyloidosis patients to adequately prioritize AL amyloidosis patients, who are at increased risk of pre-transplantation mortality.

Improving contemporary outcomes following heart transplantation for cardiac amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

The incidence of systemic amyloidosis is rising, and there is a concomitant rise in heart transplant for an indication of cardiac amyloidosis.

METHODS

We utilized the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) database to retrospectively assess survival and outcomes in adult patients undergoing heart transplant for cardiac amyloidosis from 1999 to 2019. We also compared survival among four distinct time periods: 1999-2001, 2002-2008, 2008-2015, 2016-2019.

RESULTS

Of 41,103 patients, 425 (1.03%) were transplanted for an indication of restrictive cardiomyopathy due to cardiac amyloidosis (RCM-Amyloidosis). The percent of all transplants occurring for RCM-Amyloidosis increased from 0.25% in the 1999-2001 era to 1.74% in the 2015-2019 era (p < .001). Across eras, Kaplan-Meier survival functions were comparable between RCM-Amyloidosis and non-RCM patients at 1 year (88% vs. 89%, p = .56) and at 5 years (72% vs. 77%, p = .092), but worse for RCM-Amyloidosis patients at 10 years (44% vs. 59%, p = .002). With adjustment for other clinical variables in multivariable Cox regression model, RCM-Amyloidosis was not associated with increased risk of death at 1 year (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.11, p = .56) or at 5 years (HR = 1.20, p = .18), but it was associated with increased risk of death at 10 years (HR = 1.35, p = .01). Cardiac amyloidosis was not associated with any morbidity outcomes following transplant, including graft failure, acute rejection, or hospitalization for infection or rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest a trend of improving survival among RCM-Amyloidosis patients compared with non-RCM patients across transplant eras, with current similarities in 1- and 5-year survival but a persistent, increased risk of mortality at 10 years.

Cardiac transplantation outcomes in patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE

Amyloid cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a progressive and life-threatening disease caused by abnormal protein deposits within cardiac tissue. The most common forms of ACM are caused by immunoglobulin derived light chains (AL) and transthyretin (TTR). Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) remains the definitive treatment for patients with end stage heart failure. In this study, we perform a contemporary multicenter analysis evaluating post OHT survival in patients with ACM.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter analysis of 40,044 adult OHT recipients captured in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry from 1987-2018. Patients were characterized as ACM or non-ACM. Baseline characteristics were obtained, and summary characteristics were calculated. Outcomes of interest included post-transplant survival, infection, treated rejection, and the ability to return to work. Racial differences in OHT survival were also analyzed. Unadjusted associations between ACM and non-ACM survival were determined using the Kaplan-Meier estimations and confounding was addressed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Three hundred ninety-eight patients with a diagnosis of ACM were identified of which 313 underwent heart only OHT. ACM patients were older (61 vs 53; P < .0001) and had a higher proportion of African Americans (30.7% vs 17.6%; P < .0001). Median survival for ACM was 10.2 years vs 12.5 years in non-ACM (P = .01). After adjusting for confounding, ACM patients had a higher likelihood of death post-OHT (HR 1.39 CI: 1.14, 1.70; P = .001). African American ACM patients had a higher likelihood of survival compared to White ACM patients (HR 0.51 CI 0.31-0.85; P = .01). No difference was observed in episodes of treated rejection (OR 0.63 CI 0.23, 1.78; P = .39), hospitalizations for infections (OR 1.24 CI: 0.85, 1.81; P = .26), or likelihood of returning to work for income (OR 1.23 CI: 0.84, 1.80; P = .30).

CONCLUSIONS

In this analysis of OHT in ACM, ACM was associated with a higher likelihood of post-OHT mortality. Racial differences in post-OHT were observed with African American patients with ACM having higher likelihood of survival compared to White patients with ACM. No differences were observed in episodes of treated rejection, hospitalization for infection, or likelihood to return to work for income.

Treatment of AL Amyloidosis: Mayo Stratification of Myeloma and Risk-Adapted Therapy (mSMART) Consensus Statement 2020 Update

Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a clonal plasma cell disorder leading to progressive and life-threatening organ failure. The heart and the kidneys are the most commonly involved organs, but almost any organ can be involved. Because of the nonspecific presentation, diagnosis delay is common, and many patients are diagnosed with advanced organ failure. In the era of effective therapies and improved outcomes for patients with AL amyloidosis, the importance of early recognition is further enhanced as the ability to reverse organ dysfunction is limited in those with a profound organ failure. As AL amyloidosis is an uncommon disorder and given patients' frailty and high early death rate, management of this complex condition is challenging. The treatment of AL amyloidosis is based on various anti-plasma cell therapies. These therapies are borrowed and customized from the treatment of multiple myeloma, a more common disorder. However, a growing number of phase 2/3 studies dedicated to the AL amyloidosis population are being performed, making treatment decisions more evidence-based. Supportive care is an integral part of management of AL amyloidosis because of the inherent organ dysfunction, limiting the delivery of effective therapy. This extensive review brings an updated summary on the management of AL amyloidosis, sectioned into the 3 pillars for survival improvement: early disease recognition, anti-plasma cell therapy, and supportive care.

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis diagnosis and treatment algorithm 2021

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) commonly presents with nephrotic range proteinuria, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, nondiabetic peripheral neuropathy, unexplained hepatomegaly or diarrhea, and should be considered in patients presenting with these symptoms. More importantly, patients being monitored for smoldering multiple myeloma and a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are at risk for developing AL amyloidosis. MGUS and myeloma patients that have atypical features, including unexplained weight loss; lower extremity edema, early satiety, and dyspnea on exertion should be considered at risk for light chain amyloidosis. Overlooking the diagnosis of light chain amyloidosis leading to therapy delay is common, and it represents an error of diagnostic consideration. Herein we provide a review of established and investigational treatments for patients with AL amyloidosis and provide algorithms for workup and management of these patients.

Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Approaches to Cardiac Amyloidosis

Often considered a rare disease, cardiac amyloidosis is increasingly recognized by practicing clinicians. The increased rate of diagnosis is in part due the aging of the population and increasing incidence and prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis with advancing age, as well as the advent of noninvasive methods using nuclear scintigraphy to diagnose transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis due to either variant or wild type transthyretin without a biopsy. Perhaps the most important driver of the increased awareness is the elucidation of the biologic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cardiac amyloidosis which have led to the development of several effective therapies with differing mechanisms of actions. In this review, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cardiac amyloidosis due to light chain (AL) or transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis are delineated as well as the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape that has emerged from a better pathophysiologic understanding of disease development.

Systemic amyloidosis from A (AA) to T (ATTR): a review

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.

Preexisting melanoma and hematological malignancies, prognosis, and timing to solid organ transplantation: A consensus expert opinion statement

Patients undergoing evaluation for solid organ transplantation (SOT) frequently have a history of malignancy. Only patients with treated cancer are considered for SOT but the benefits of transplantation need to be balanced against the risk of tumor recurrence, taking into consideration the potential effects of immunosuppression. Prior guidelines on timing to transplant in patients with a prior treated malignancy do not account for current staging, disease biology, or advances in cancer treatments. To update these recommendations, the American Society of Transplantation (AST) facilitated a consensus workshop to comprehensively review contemporary literature regarding cancer therapies, cancer stage specific prognosis, the kinetics of cancer recurrence, as well as the limited data on the effects of immunosuppression on cancer-specific outcomes. This document contains prognosis, treatment, and transplant recommendations for melanoma and hematological malignancies. Given the limited data regarding the risk of cancer recurrence in transplant recipients, the goal of the AST-sponsored conference and the consensus documents produced are to provide expert opinion recommendations that help in the evaluation of patients with a history of a pretransplant malignancy for transplant candidacy.

Solid Organ Transplantation

Please add expansion for AL. Hematologic disease control combined with solid organ transplantation can result in long-term survival in selected patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis and limited other organ involvement. Restoration of critical cardiac function with organ transplantation can render patients eligible for effective disease-directed therapies, including high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Access to directed-donor organs, exchange programs for renal transplantation, and extended-donor organs for cardiac transplantation improves the availability of organs for patients with AL amyloidosis. Disease recurrence in the graft and progression in other organs remain concerns but often can be managed with a variety of effective plasma cell-directed therapies.

Outcomes of Heart Transplantation in Cardiac Amyloidosis Patients: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Indications for heart transplantation are expanding to include amyloid light chain (AL) and transthyretin-related (TTR) amyloidosis. Previously, AL amyloid had been a contraindication to heart transplantation given inferior outcomes. These patients typically have biventricular failure requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS). We report the outcomes of patients with end-stage cardiac amyloidosis who underwent cardiac transplantation, including some who were bridged to transplantation with a durable biventricular MCS METHODS: The records for patients with cardiac amyloidosis who underwent cardiac transplant between 2010 and 2018 were reviewed. Primary endpoint was post-transplant 1-year survival. Secondary endpoints included 1-year freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (as defined by stenosis ≥ 30% by angiography), nonfatal major adverse cardiac events (myocardial infarction, new congestive heart failure, percutaneous coronary intervention, implantable cardioverter defibrillator/pacemaker implant, stroke), and any rejection.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients received heart transplantation with a diagnosis of either AL or TTR amyloidosis. Of these, 7 patients were bridged to transplantation with a durable biventricular MCS device (6 AL, 1 TTR) and 39 patients were transplanted without MCS bridging. The MCS group consisted of 5 total artificial hearts and 2 biventricular assist devices. The 1-year survival was 91% for the entire cohort, 83% for those with AL amyloidosis, 94% for those with TTR amyloidosis, and 86% for those who received MCS bridging.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac transplantation can be safely performed in selected amyloidosis patients with reasonable short-term outcomes. Those bridged to transplantation with biventricular MCS appear to have short-term outcomes similar to those transplanted without MCS. Larger numbers and longer observation are required to confirm these findings.

Systemic AL Amyloidosis: Current Approaches to Diagnosis and Management

AL amyloidosis is characterized by a low-level expansion of an indolent, small plasma cell clone that produces amyloidogenic light chains. Amyloid aggregates or preceding intermediaries cause direct cell damage through their proteotoxicity, and amyloid deposits distort tissue architecture, and, eventually, lead to organ impairment. It is a rare, underdiagnosed disease with a diverse clinical presentation depending on the organ tropism of the amyloid fibrils; cardiac and renal involvement is most common, but any organ can be affected, excluding the central nervous system. A high level of awareness and a systematic approach using newly emerging screening biomarkers is required to achieve early diagnosis. Management should be multidisciplinary as supportive management tailored to management of organ dysfunction is paramount to survival and minimization of treatment-associated toxicity. The initial therapeutic aim is to rapidly eliminate the clonal plasma cell that produces the circulating amyloid precursor and achieve a complete hematologic response, and if possible with undetectable minimal residual disease as assessed by next-generation methods (flow and sequencing), with minimal toxicity. Treatment is tailored to the initial risk assessment of the patients. Treatments are based on regimens adapted from the expanding options that are available for multiple myeloma patients and hematological response rates have improved. Organ response rates are strongly associated with deeper hematologic response but usually lag behind hematological response and are also dependent on the initial organ function reserve. Agents directed against the amyloid deposits have been explored to aid amyloid clearance and improve organ function, but data are still negative.

Novel challenges in the management of immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: from the bench to the bedside

INTRODUCTION

Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is one of the most frequent systemic amyloidosis in Western countries. It is caused by a B-cell clone producing a misfolded light chain (LC) that deposits in organs.

AREAS COVERED

The review examines recent findings on pathophysiology and clinical management of AL amyloidosis. It contains an update on the recent hot topics as novel therapeutic approaches, definition of relapse, and hematologic response assessment. To review literature on AL amyloidosis, a bibliographic search was performed using PubMed.

EXPERT OPINION

Due to the proteotoxicity of amyloidogenic LCs, the therapeutic goal is a rapid and profound decrease in their concentration. The standard treatment is a risk-adapted chemotherapy targeting the B-cell clone. Novel, promising drugs, as daratumumab, are currently under evaluation in newly-diagnosed and relapsed/refractory patients. New sensitive techniques, as mass spectrometry approach and bone marrow minimal residual disease assessment, are available to evaluate depth of response. After first-line therapy, increase in LC concentration may precede worsening of organ dysfunction and should be considered carefully. Further clarification of molecular mechanisms of the disease are shedding light on new possible therapeutic targets. Innovative treatment strategies and novel technologies will improve our ability to treat AL amyloidosis, preventing organ deterioration.

United network for organ sharing outcomes after heart transplantation for al compared to ATTR cardiac amyloidosis

Light-chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis (CA) has a worse prognosis than transthyretin (ATTR) CA. In this single-center study, we compared post-heart transplant (OHT, orthotopic heart transplantation) survival for AL and ATTR amyloidosis, hypothesizing that these differences would persist post-OHT. Thirty-nine patients with CA (AL, n = 18; ATTR, n = 21) and 1023 non-amyloidosis subjects undergoing OHT were included. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to evaluate the impact of amyloid subtype and era (early era: from 2001 to 2007; late era: from 2008 to 2018) on survival post-OHT. Survival for non-amyloid patients was greater than ATTR (P = .034) and AL (P < .001) patients in the early era. One, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were higher for ATTR patients than AL patients in the early era (100% vs 75%, 67% vs 50%, and 67% vs 33%, respectively, for ATTR and AL patients). Survival in the non-amyloid cohort was 87% at 1 year, 81% at 3 years, and 76% at 5 years post-OHT. In the late era, AL and ATTR patients had unadjusted 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates of 100%, which was comparable to non-amyloid patients (90% vs 84% vs 81%). Overall, these findings demonstrate that in the current era, differences in post-OHT survival for AL compared to ATTR are diminishing; OHT outcomes for selected patients with CA do not differ from non-amyloidosis patients.

Solid Organ Transplantation in Amyloidosis

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.

Cardiac Care of Patients with Cardiac Amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis, the majority of cases of which are due to immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) and transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), affects different aspects of the heart and cardiovascular system. Amyloid-induced cardiomyopathy, clinically manifesting with heart failure and electrophysiological abnormalities, has distinct characteristics compared to non-amyloid cardiomyopathies. Accordingly, specific management strategies are required. This paper will review the cardiovascular manifestations of patients with cardiac amyloidosis and their suggested treatment strategies, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary care.

High-Dose Melphalan and Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in AL Amyloidosis

AL amyloidosis is a systemic amyloidosis and is associated with an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia. High-dose intravenous melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation was developed for the treatment of AL amyloidosis in the early 1990s and was prompted by its success in myeloma. This application has evolved significantly over the past three decades. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of eligibility criteria, stem cell collection, and mobilization strategies and regimens, risk-adapted melphalan dosing, role for induction and consolidation therapies as well as long-term outcome with respect to survival, hematologic response and relapse as well as organ responses following stem cell transplantation. Continued efforts to refine patient selection and management, and incorporate novel anti-plasma cell agents in combination or sequentially to further improve outcomes in AL amyloidosis are also discussed.

Supportive Care in AL Amyloidosis

Immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a systemic disease characterized by the production and deposition of light chain-derived amyloid fibrils in different organs. Prompt treatment directed to the underlying plasma cell clone is crucial in order to achieve a rapid, deep and durable hematologic response. The decrease in the production of the amyloidogenic light chains is a required condition to obtain the organ response, which is commonly delayed. Meanwhile, supportive treatment is aimed to maintain quality of life of these patients and preserve their involved organs' function. From simple measures, such as salt restriction or compressive stockings, to very complex interventions, such as heart transplantation in very selected patients with isolated severe cardiac involvement, this supportive care is essential and has to be necessarily included in the multidisciplinary management of this disease.

Fundamentals of Light Chain Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Focused Review

The estimated prevalence of AL CA in the US is approximately 8-12 cases per million. Almost 30-50% diagnosed cases of AL amyloid in the US have multisystem involvement, including cardiac involvement. Even with the availability of advanced diagnostic testing and novel therapies, prognosis remains poor. It is overlooked as a cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction leading to a delay in diagnosis when management options are limited and associated with poor survival outcomes. Therefore, the education of physicians is needed to ensure that it would be highly considered as a differential diagnosis. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the advances in the diagnosis and management of cardiac amyloidosis with the aim of educating colleagues who provide care in the primary care setting. We have summarized the pathogenesis of amyloidosis, its association with plasma cell dyscrasias, novel diagnostic and surveillance approaches including echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, histopathologic techniques, systemic biomarkers, and advanced treatment approaches including supportive symptomatic management and standard of care chemotherapy targeting the amyloid deposits. Given the overall poor prognosis of amyloidosis, we have also discussed the role of palliative and hospice care.

A novel risk score to predict survival in advanced heart failure due to cardiac amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac amyloidosis, caused by deposition of immunoglobulin light chains (AL) or transthyretin (ATTR), carries a poor prognosis. Established risk scores for amyloidosis may not predict outcomes in those patients who develop advanced heart failure and who are potential candidates for heart transplantation. Here, we aimed to identify predictive parameters for patients with severe heart failure due to amyloidosis.

METHODS

Out of > 1000 patients with cardiac amyloidosis (AL or ATTR) admitted to our centre between September 1998 and January 2016, a cohort of 120 patients with a complete cardiac assessment at diagnosis, including right heart catheterization, echocardiography and biomarkers, was analysed retrospectively in this study. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. We performed univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, generated risk scores to predict outcomes in AL and ATTR amyloidosis and compared those to established risk models for amyloidosis.

RESULTS

In the Cox multivariate model, high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT; hazard ratio (HR) 1.003; confidence interval (CI) 1.001-1.005; p = 0.009) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (HR 1.061; CI 1.024-1.100; p = 0.001) were found to significantly and independently predict outcomes for AL amyloidosis, whereas QRS duration (HR 1.021; CI 1.004-1.039; p = 0.013), hsTnT (HR 1.021; CI 1.006-1.036; p = 0.006) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (HR 1.0003; CI 1.0001-1.0004; p = 0.002) were the best predictors for ATTR amyloidosis. A simple risk score ("HeiRisk") including these parameters for AL and ATTR allowed a more precise risk stratification in our patient population compared to established risk models.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk stratification for cardiac amyloidosis with the newly developed "HeiRisk" score may be superior to other staging systems for patients with advanced heart failure due to amyloid cardiomyopathy.

Delayed autologous stem cell transplantation following cardiac transplantation experience in patients with cardiac amyloidosis

This study sought to retrospectively investigate the outcomes of patients with light-chain amyloidosis (AL) with advanced cardiac involvement who were treated with a strategy of heart transplantation (HT) followed by delayed autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) at 1-year posttransplant. Patients with AL amyloidosis with substantial cardiac involvement have traditionally had very poor survival (eg, several months). A few select centers have reported their outcomes for HT followed by a strategy of early ASCT (ie, 6 months) for CA. The outcomes of patients undergoing a delayed strategy have not been reported. All patients with AL amyloidosis at a single institution undergoing evaluation for HT from 2004-2018 were included. Retrospective analyses were performed. Sixteen patients underwent HT (including two combined heart-kidney transplant) for AL amyloidosis. ASCT was performed in a total of nine patients to date at a median 13.5 months (12.8-32.9 months) post-HT. Survival was 87.5% at 1 year and 76.6% at 5 years, comparable to institutional outcomes for nonamyloid HT recipients. In addition to these 16 patients, two patients underwent combined heart-lung transplantation. A strategy of delayed ASCT 1-year post-HT for patients with AL amyloidosis is feasible, safe, and associated with comparable outcomes to those undergoing an earlier ASCT strategy.

AL Amyloidosis for the Cardiologist and Oncologist: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management

AL amyloidosis results from clonal production of immunoglobulin light chains, most commonly arising from a clonal plasma cell disorder. Once considered a nearly uniformly fatal disease, prognosis has improved markedly over the past 15 years, predominantly because of advances in light chain suppressive therapies. Cardiac deposition of amyloid fibrils is common, and the severity of cardiac involvement remains the primary driver of prognosis. Improvements in chemotherapy/immunotherapy have prompted a reassessment of the role of advanced cardiac therapies previously considered contraindicated in most patients, including the role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac transplantation. This state-of-the-art review highlights the current state of the field, including diagnosis, prognosis, and hematologic- and cardiac-specific therapies.

Cardiac amyloidosis: An underdiagnosed/underappreciated disease

Cardiac amyloidosis or amyloid cardiomyopathy (ACM), commonly resulting from extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils consisted of misfolded immunoglobulin light chain (AL) or transthyretin (TTR) protein, is an underestimated cause of heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. Among the three types of cardiac amyloidosis (wild-type or familial TTR and light-chain), the wild-type (Wt) TTR-related amyloidosis (ATTR) is an increasingly recognized cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of this heart failure group of patients. Recent advances in the diagnosis and drug treatment of ACM have ushered in a new era in early disease detection and better management of these patients. Certain clues in cardiac and extracardiac manifestations of ACM may heighten clinical suspicion and guide further confirmatory testing. Newer noninvasive imaging methods (strain echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance and bone scintigraphy) may obviate the need for endomyocardial biopsy in ATTR patients, while newer targeted therapies may alter the adverse prognosis in these patients. Early recognition of ACM is crucial in halting the disease process before irreversible organ damage occurs. Chemotherapy and stem-cell transplantation combined with immunomodulatory therapy may also favorably affect the course and prognosis of light chain ACM. Finally, in select patients with end-stage disease, heart transplantation may render results comparable to non-ACM patients. All these issues are herein reviewed.

Outcomes After Cardiac Transplant for Wild Type Transthyretin Amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

The true prevalence of heart failure due to wild type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt) is likely underestimated. There is a paucity of data with regard to the management of ATTRwt-related advanced heart failure and the natural history of extracardiac ATTRwt.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing cardiac transplant (HTx) for ATTRwt at a single institution. Comprehensive clinical data, including baseline hemodynamic and echocardiographic characteristics, and posttransplant outcomes, were obtained.

RESULTS

Seven patients with ATTRwt underwent HTx between 2007 and 2015. All patients were male with a mean age of 66 ± 9. Patients had a reduced ejection fraction (mean, 37 ± 14%) and elevated filling pressures pre-HTx (mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure 22 ± 7 mm Hg) before HTx. Three-year survival was 100%; 1 patient died of pancreatic cancer 45 months post-HTx (1 death per 30.8 patient-years). Oxygen consumption (Δ +6.8 ± 4.9 mL·kg·min) and 6-minute walk distances (Δ +189 ± 60 m) improved. Symptomatic gastrointestinal involvement (n = 2) and peripheral nerve involvement (n = 4) by ATTRwt developed late.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of a series of ATTRwt patients receiving HTx in which excellent outcomes are demonstrated. Although cardiac death is averted, systemic manifestations of ATTRwt may develop posttransplantation.

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In this article we present brief overview of the subject of amyloidosis and involvement of the cardiovascular system, the criteria for diagnosis, principles of treatment, and the clinical case of cardiac amyloidosis.

Systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis

Systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is a protein misfolding disease caused by the conversion of immunoglobulin light chains from their soluble functional states into highly organized amyloid fibrillar aggregates that lead to organ dysfunction. The disease is progressive and, accordingly, early diagnosis is vital to prevent irreversible organ damage, of which cardiac damage and renal damage predominate. The development of novel sensitive biomarkers and imaging technologies for the detection and quantification of organ involvement and damage is facilitating earlier diagnosis and improved evaluation of the efficacy of new and existing therapies. Treatment is guided by risk assessment, which is based on levels of cardiac biomarkers; close monitoring of clonal and organ responses guides duration of therapy and changes in regimen. Several new classes of drugs, such as proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs, along with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, have led to rapid and deep suppression of amyloid light chain production in the majority of patients. However, effective therapies for patients with advanced cardiac involvement are an unmet need. Passive immunotherapies targeting clonal plasma cells and directly accelerating removal of amyloid deposits promise to further improve the overall outlook of this increasingly treatable disease.

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis diagnosis and treatment algorithm 2018

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) should be considered in any patient that presents to a cancer care provider with nephrotic range proteinuria, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy, unexplained hepatomegaly or diarrhea. More importantly, patients being monitored for smoldering multiple myeloma and a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are at risk for developing AL amyloidosis. MGUS and myeloma patients that have atypical features, including unexplained weight loss; lower extremity edema, early satiety, and dyspnea on exertion should be considered at risk for light chain amyloidosis. Overlooking the diagnosis of light chain amyloidosis leading to therapy delay is common, and it represents an error of diagnostic consideration. Algorithms will be provided on how to evaluate patients with suspected AL amyloid as well as how to manage patients referred from other medical specialties with biopsy-proven amyloid. An organized stepwise approach to the treatment of patients with light chain amyloidosis, including established and investigational therapies, will be reviewed.

Plasma cell diseases and organ transplant: A comprehensive review

Plasma cell diseases are a class of hematologic diseases that are sometimes present as preexisting diagnoses prior to organ transplantation, causative factors leading to a need for organ transplantation, or may occur posttransplant as part of the spectrum of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders. Herein, we review the most common plasma cell diseases, both as coexisting with other causes of organ failure, but also as a primary underlying cause for organ failure. In many cases, treatment of the underlying clonal disease may be indicated before proceeding with organ transplant. This review aims to provide current and relevant data regarding the management of these conditions in the organ transplant patient, for transplant providers, and those who take care of these patients.

Heart transplantation in cardiac amyloidosis

"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.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is characterized by nondilated left or right ventricle with diastolic dysfunction. The restrictive cardiomyopathies are a heterogenous group of myocardial diseases that vary according to pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation and criteria, treatment, and prognosis. In this review, an overview of RCMs will be presented followed by a detailed discussion on 3 major causes of RCM, for which tailored interventions are available: cardiac amyloidosis, cardiac sarcoidosis, and cardiac hemochromatosis. Each of these 3 RCMs is challenging to diagnose, and recognition of each disease entity is frequently delayed. Clinical clues to promote recognition of cardiac amyloidosis, cardiac sarcoidosis, and cardiac hemochromatosis and imaging techniques used to facilitate diagnosis are discussed. Disease-specific therapies are reviewed. Early recognition remains a key barrier to improving survival in all RCMs.

Light-chain cardiac amyloidosis: strategies to promote early diagnosis and cardiac response

Amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a systemic disease characterised by the aggregation of misfolded immunoglobulin light chain (LC), predominantly in the heart and kidneys, causing organ failure. If untreated, the median survival of patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis is 6 months from the onset of heart failure. Protracted time to establish a diagnosis, often lasting >1 year, is a frequent factor in poor treatment outcomes. Cardiologists, to whom patients are often referred, frequently miss the opportunity to diagnose cardiac AL amyloidosis. Nearly all typical cardiac support measures, with the exception of diuretics, are ineffective and may even worsen clinical symptoms, emphasising the need for accurate diagnosis. Patients with severe cardiac involvement face poor outcomes; heart transplantation is rarely an option because of multiorgan involvement, rapid clinical decline and challenges in predicting which patients will respond to treatment of the underlying plasma cell disorder. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with ââ'¬Ëœsource therapiesââ'¬â"¢ that limit the production of amyloidogenic LC are associated with better survival and improvement in organ function after a median of 2.4 months following haematological complete response. However, organ recovery is often incomplete because these source therapies do not directly target deposited amyloid. Emerging amyloid-directed therapies may attenuate, and potentially reverse, organ dysfunction by clearing existing amyloid and inhibiting fibril formation of circulating aggregates. Improved recognition of AL amyloidosis by cardiologists allows for earlier treatment and improved outcomes.

Cardiac Amyloidosis: An Updated Review With Emphasis on Diagnosis and Future Directions

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.