Trends in Diagnostic Imaging of Cardiac Amyloidosis: Emerging Knowledge and Concepts
Seitaro Oda, Masafumi Kidoh, Yasunori Nagayama, Seiji Takashio, Hiroki Usuku, Mitsuharu Ueda, Taro Yamashita, Yukio Ando, Kenichi Tsujita, Yasuyuki Yamashita
Abstract
Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) has long been recognized as a rare disease. However, recent advances in cardiac imaging have led to increased identification of hidden CA in patients diagnosed with heart failure. This shift suggests that the actual incidence of CA is underestimated. The prognosis of CA is generally poor, especially in patients with advanced heart failure. However, recent developments in therapeutic interventions have improved the survival of patients with CA. An early diagnosis and interventions involving effective therapies are essential contributors to improved prognoses. Recent noninvasive diagnostic imaging modalities such as echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and nuclear imaging have facilitated the precise and early diagnosis of CA and enabled the initiation of appropriate management. The authors present an updated review of the clinical features of CA, including a discussion of current trends in noninvasive diagnostic imaging. ©RSNA, 2020