Optimizing the Diagnosis of ATTR-CM: Updates in Imaging and Best Practices-Optimizing the Diagnosis of ATTR-CM: Updates in Imaging and Best Practices

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The ASNIC webinar on optimizing the diagnosis of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRCM) covered crucial updates in imaging and best practices, led by Dr. Saurabh Malhotra with notable imaging experts Dr. Chidam Akinjolu, Dr. Wael Jaber, and Dr. Prem Soman. The webinar focused on recent advancements in the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis using Technetium-99m labeled scintigraphy, an essential tool due to its wide applicability and diagnostic accuracy. The faculty emphasized the importance of ruling out AL amyloidosis as a crucial first step. They also made significant distinctions between different radiotracers: PYP, HMDP, and DPD, noting the differences in their blood and soft tissue clearance rates, and the implications of these differences for clinical practice.<br /><br />Dr. Jaber and Dr. Soman highlighted the evolution from planar imaging techniques to the more advanced SPECT imaging, advocating for SPECT or SPECT-CT in ensuring accurate localization to the myocardium, which is crucial for diagnosing and staging amyloidosis. They underscored the necessity of using appropriate imaging times for different tracers to avoid false negatives. Additionally, the importance of early diagnosis, particularly for asymptomatic patients, was discussed due to its implications for prognosis and treatment efficacy.<br /><br />The panel agreed on the critical role of genetic testing in conjunction with imaging to identify early-stage disease more effectively. They also explored the potential role of atrial uptake as a predictive marker for atrial fibrillation.<br /><br />In conclusion, the webinar stressed the need for standardized protocols following ASNIC guidelines to leverage the full diagnostic potential of bone marrow tracers, ensuring each imaging study is tailored to the specific tracer’s properties and applied correctly in clinical settings.

Keywords

ATTRCM

transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

Technetium-99m scintigraphy

SPECT imaging

PYP radiotracer

AL amyloidosis

genetic testing

atrial fibrillation

ASNIC guidelines

early diagnosis