Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Performing and Processing FNA of Anterior Fat Pad for Amyloid
Published on: October 30, 2010
Abdominal Fat Pad Fine-Needle Aspiration for the Diagnosis of Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Technical Note With Illustrative
Nebojša Mitrović1,2, Nemanja Trifunović1, Marija Nikolić1
1Department of General Surgery, Clinical Hospital Center Zemun, Belgrade, Serbia.
Introduction:
Cardiac amyloidosis is a restrictive cardiomyopathy caused by extracellular deposition of misfolded proteins. Abdominal fat pad fine-needle aspiration (FPFNA) has been described as a minimally invasive diagnostic tool for systemic and cardiac amyloidosis.
Methods:
We present a step-by-step description of the aspiration technique, including sample handling, Congo red staining under polarized light, accompanied by illustrative images.
Conclusion:
Abdominal fat pad FPFNA is a simple, inexpensive, and safe procedure. According to published data, it offers moderate to high sensitivity, especially in advanced disease, and can reduce the need for more invasive biopsies.
Insights
Abdominal fat pad fine-needle aspiration (FPFNA) is a safe and effective method for diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis. This minimally invasive technique offers good sensitivity, especially in advanced cases, potentially reducing the need for more invasive procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Cardiac amyloidosis is a restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Extracellular deposition of misfolded proteins causes cardiac amyloidosis.
- Abdominal fat pad fine-needle aspiration (FPFNA) is a diagnostic tool for systemic and cardiac amyloidosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the step-by-step technique of abdominal fat pad fine-needle aspiration (FPFNA).
- To illustrate sample handling and Congo red staining under polarized light.
Main Methods:
- Detailed description of the FPFNA aspiration technique.
- Guidance on proper sample handling.
- Explanation of Congo red staining with polarized light microscopy.
Main Results:
- FPFNA is a simple, inexpensive, and safe procedure.
- Published data indicate moderate to high sensitivity for FPFNA.
- Sensitivity is particularly notable in advanced stages of cardiac amyloidosis.
Conclusions:
- FPFNA is a valuable diagnostic tool for cardiac amyloidosis.
- The procedure can decrease the necessity for more invasive biopsies.
- FPFNA aids in the early and accurate diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis.
