Use of Noninvasive Imaging in Cardiac Amyloidosis

Cardiac involvement in amyloidosis is associated with poor outcomes. The standard test for the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is endomyocardial biopsy but given current advances in noninvasive imaging, the diagnosis is frequently obtained or strongly suspected without biopsy. Echocardiography is the most utilized cardiac imaging modality, particularly myocardial strain measures with this modality have been found to be a predictor of clinical outcomes, superior to traditional parameters. Other known imaging modalities with new, useful protocols for this pathology include nuclear imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). In particular, CMR has excellent sensitivity and specificity.