Amyloidotic cardiomyopathy: multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment.

ABSTRACT

Amyloidotic cardiomyopathy (ACMP) occurs in the setting of rare genetic diseases, blood dyscrasias, chronic infection and inflammation, and advanced age. Cardiologists are on the front lines of diagnosis of ACMP when evaluating patients with unexplained dyspnea, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmias. Noninvasive detection of diastolic cardiac dysfunction and unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy should be followed by biopsy to demonstrate the presence of amyloid deposits and appropriate genetic, biochemical, and immunologic testing to accurately define the type of amyloid. Growing numbers of treatment options exist for these diseases, and timely diagnosis and institution of therapy is essential for preservation of cardiac function.