title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Amyloidosis Treatment and Research Program, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, K5, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. dseldin@bu.edu
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Seldin
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Berk
authors.forename: Flora
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sam
authors.forename: Vaishali
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sanchorawala
mesh_terms: D000682:Amyloid / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D015415:Biomarkers; D001706:Biopsy; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020107:Troponin T / Q000378:metabolism; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
chemical_list: D000682:Amyloid; D015415:Biomarkers; D020107:Troponin T; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain