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ESC Heart Failure Oct 2019The study aims to systematically assess the diagnostic performance of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and nuclear scintigraphy (index tests) for the diagnosis and... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
AIMS
The study aims to systematically assess the diagnostic performance of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and nuclear scintigraphy (index tests) for the diagnosis and differentiation of subtypes of cardiac amyloidosis.
METHODS AND RESULTS
MEDLINE and Embase electronic databases were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of CMR or nuclear scintigraphy in detecting cardiac amyloidosis and subsequently in differentiating transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) from immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. In this meta-analysis, histopathological examination of tissue from endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) or extra-cardiac organs were reference standards. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were calculated, and a random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate diagnostic odds ratios. Methodological quality was assessed using a validated instrument. Of the 2947 studies identified, 27 met the criteria for inclusion. Sensitivity and specificity of CMR in diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis was 85.7% and 92.0% against EMB reference and 78.9% and 93.9% with any organ histology reference. Corresponding sensitivity and specificity of nuclear scintigraphy was 88.4% and 87.2% against EMB reference and 82.0% and 98.8% with histology from any organ. CMR was unable to reliably differentiate ATTR from AL amyloidosis (sensitivity 28.1-99.0% and specificity 11.0-60.0%). Sensitivity and specificity of nuclear scintigraphy in the differentiation of ATTR from AL amyloidosis ranged from 90.9% to 91.5% and from 88.6% to 97.1%. Pooled negative likelihood ratio and positive likelihood ratio for scintigraphy in this setting were 0.1 and 8, with EMB reference standard. Study quality assessed by QUADAS-2 was generally poor with evidence of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Cardiac magnetic resonance is a useful test for diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis but is not reliable in further classifying the disease. Nuclear scintigraphy offers strong diagnostic performance in both the detection of cardiac amyloidosis and differentiating ATTR from AL amyloidosis. Our findings support the use of both imaging modalities in a non-invasive diagnostic algorithm that also tests for the presence of monoclonal protein.
Topics: Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial; Amyloidosis; Biopsy; Diagnosis, Differential; Heart Diseases; Heart Failure; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Prevalence; Radionuclide Imaging; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 31487121
DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.12511 -
Clinical Autonomic Research : Official... Sep 2019Autonomic dysfunction is a hallmark feature of hereditary ATTR amyloidosis. The aim of this study was to summarize the characteristics and natural history of autonomic...
BACKGROUND
Autonomic dysfunction is a hallmark feature of hereditary ATTR amyloidosis. The aim of this study was to summarize the characteristics and natural history of autonomic dysfunction in patients with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis.
METHODS
A systematic review of the natural history and clinical trials of patients with ATTR amyloidosis was performed. Alternative surrogate markers of autonomic function were analyzed to understand the prevalence and outcome of autonomic dysfunction.
RESULTS
Patients with early-onset disease displayed autonomic dysfunction more distinctively than those with late-onset disease. The nutritional status and some autonomic items in the quality-of-life questionnaires were used to assess the indirect progression of autonomic dysfunction in most studies. Gastrointestinal symptoms and orthostatic hypotension were resent earlier than urogenital complications. Once symptoms were present, their evolution was equivalent to the progression of the motor and sensory neuropathy impairment.
CONCLUSION
The development of autonomic dysfunction impacts morbidity, disease progression, and mortality in patients with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis.
Topics: Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Humans
PubMed: 31473866
DOI: 10.1007/s10286-019-00630-y -
Hellenic Journal of Cardiology : HJC =... 2019Light-chain amyloidosis and transthyretin-related amyloidosis (wild-type and mutated) are three main types of systemic amyloidosis associated with a clinically relevant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Light-chain amyloidosis and transthyretin-related amyloidosis (wild-type and mutated) are three main types of systemic amyloidosis associated with a clinically relevant cardiac involvement. In this study, we compared prognosis in patients with different categories of cardiac amyloidosis using meta-analysis and present a systematic review.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed through Jan 1, 2018, and two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We extracted MACE and death endpoint events and hazard ratios from regression models and performed a meta-analysis of the multiple prognosis association studies.
RESULTS
We observed that there were significant MACE differences between patients diagnosed with transthyretin amyloidosis and light-chain amyloidosis (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.06-4.12; P = 0.03), and the same is true in the sub-comparison between AL and mATTR or wtATTR (AL vs. mATTR: OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.06-2.82; P = 0.03; AL vs. wtATTR: OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 0.85-2.58; P = 0.17). However, no significant difference was observed between two transthyretin types (P = 0.17). Overall death rate evaluated showed that compared with transthyretin-related amyloidosis, light-chain type showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). The prognostic analysis showed that types of amyloidosis, LVEF, NYHA, restrictive filling pattern, E-wave deceleration time, E/E' ratio, and low QRS voltage were predictors of cardiac-related mortality.
CONCLUSION
Patients diagnosed with light-chain amyloidosis has a poor prognosis compared with transthyretin-related amyloidosis, while no difference was proved in prognostic analysis between wild-type and mutated TTR amyloidosis. Some clinical factors related to the death prognosis, such as the LVEF, restrictive filling pattern, E-wave deceleration time, and E/E' ratio are important prognostic factors.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial; Cardiomyopathies; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Male; Middle Aged; Prealbumin; Prognosis; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 30742933
DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2019.01.015 -
Journal of Clinical Neurology (Seoul,... Jan 2019Tafamidis functions to delay the loss of function in transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP), which is a rare inherited amyloidosis with progressive...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Tafamidis functions to delay the loss of function in transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP), which is a rare inherited amyloidosis with progressive sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of tafamidis in TTR-FAP patients, with the aim of improving the evidence-based medical evidence of this treatment option for TTP-FAP.
METHODS
A systematic search of the English-language literature in five databases was performed through to May 31, 2018 by two reviewers who independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. We extracted efficacy and safety outcomes and performed a meta-analysis. Statistical tests were performed to check for heterogeneity and publication bias.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis identified six relevant studies. The tafamidis group showed smaller changes from baseline in the Neuropathy Impairment Score-Lower Limbs [mean difference (MD)=-3.01, 95% confidence interval (CI)=-3.26 to -2.75, <0.001] and the Norfolk Quality of Life-Diabetic Neuropathy total quality of life score (MD=-6.67, 95% CI=-9.70 to -3.64, <0.001), and a higher modified body mass index (MD=72.45, 95% CI=69.41 to 75.49, <0.001), with no significant difference in total adverse events [odds ratio (OR)=0.69, 95% CI=0.35 to 1.35, =0.27]. The incidence of adverse events did not differ between tafamidis and placebo treatment except for fatigue (OR=0.13, 95% CI=0.02 to 0.72, =0.02) and hypesthesia (OR=0.16, 95% CI=0.03 to 0.92, =0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis has demonstrated that tafamidis delays neurologic progression and preserves a better nutritional status and the quality of life. The rates of adverse events did not differ between the patients in the tafamidis and placebo groups. Tafamidis might be a safer noninvasive option for patients with TTR-FAP.
PubMed: 30618225
DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2019.15.1.108 -
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders Dec 2018Cardiac Amyloidosis (CA) pertains to the cardiac involvement of a group of diseases, in which misfolded proteins deposit in tissues and cause progressive organ damage....
BACKGROUND
Cardiac Amyloidosis (CA) pertains to the cardiac involvement of a group of diseases, in which misfolded proteins deposit in tissues and cause progressive organ damage. The vast majority of CA cases are caused by light chain amyloidosis (AL) and transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). The increased awareness of these diseases has led to an increment of newly diagnosed cases each year.
METHODS
We performed multiple searches on MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Several search terms were used, such as "cardiac amyloidosis", "diagnostic modalities cardiac amyloidosis" and "staging cardiac amyloidosis". Emphasis was given on original articles describing novel diagnostic and staging approaches to the disease.
RESULTS
Imaging techniques are indispensable to diagnosing CA. Novel ultrasonographic techniques boast high sensitivity and specificity for the disease. Nuclear imaging has repeatedly proved its worth in the diagnostic procedure, with efforts now focusing on standardization and quantification of amyloid load. Because the latter would be invaluable for any staging system, those spearheading research in magnetic resonance imaging of the disease are also trying to come up with accurate tools to quantify amyloid burden. Staging tools are currently being developed and validated for ATTR CA, in the spirit of the acclaimed Mayo Staging System for AL.
CONCLUSION
Cardiac involvement confers significant morbidity and mortality in all types of amyloidosis. Great effort is made to reduce the time to diagnosis, as treatment in the initial stages of the disease is tied to better prognosis. The results of these efforts are highly sensitive and specific diagnostic modalities that are also reasonably cost effective.
Topics: Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial; Biomarkers; Cardiomyopathies; Echocardiography; Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Reproducibility of Results; Severity of Illness Index; Tomography, Emission-Computed
PubMed: 30509186
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-018-0952-8 -
ESC Heart Failure Oct 2018Wild-type transthyretin (ATTRwt) cardiac amyloidosis has emerged as an important cause of heart failure in the elderly. Atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly affects older...
AIMS
Wild-type transthyretin (ATTRwt) cardiac amyloidosis has emerged as an important cause of heart failure in the elderly. Atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly affects older adults with heart failure and is associated with reduced survival, but its role in ATTRwt is unclear. We sought to explore the clinical impact of AF in ATTRwt.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Patients with biopsy-proven ATTRwt cardiac amyloidosis (n = 146) were retrospectively identified, and clinical, echocardiographic, and biochemical data were collected. Patients were classified as AF or non-AF and followed for survival for a median of 41.4 ± 27.1 months. Means testing, univariable, and multivariable regression models were employed. A systematic review was performed. AF was observed in 70% (n = 102). Mean age was similar (AF, 75 ± 6 vs. non-AF, 74 ± 5 years, P = 0.22). Anticoagulant treatment of patients with AF was as follows: 78% warfarin, 17% novel anticoagulant, and 6% no anticoagulation. Amiodarone was prescribed to 24%. There were no differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.09) or left atrial volume (P = 0.87); however, mean diastolic dysfunction grade was higher in AF (mean 2.7 ± 0.5 vs. 2.4 ± 0.5, P = 0.01). While creatinine (P = 0.52) and B-type natriuretic peptide (P = 0.48) were similar, patients with AF had lower serum transthyretin concentrations (221 ± 51 vs. 250 ± 52 μg/mL, P < 0.01). Survival between groups was similar (P = 0.46).
CONCLUSIONS
These data provide an evidence basis for clinical management and demonstrate that AF in ATTRwt does not negatively impact survival. Further analysis of the relationship between transthyretin concentration and AF development is warranted.
Topics: Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial; Atrial Fibrillation; Echocardiography, Doppler; Electrocardiography; Global Health; Heart Rate; Humans; Incidence
PubMed: 29916559
DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.12308 -
Journal of Neurotrauma Sep 2018Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is associated with pathological changes, yet detecting these changes during life has proven elusive. Positron emission tomography...
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is associated with pathological changes, yet detecting these changes during life has proven elusive. Positron emission tomography (PET) offers the potential for identifying such pathology. Few studies have been completed to date and their approaches and results have been diverse. It was the objective of this review to systematically examine relevant research using ligands for PET that bind to identified pathology in CTE. We focused on identification of patterns of binding and addressing gaps in knowledge of PET imaging for CTE. A comprehensive literature search was conducted. Data used were published on or before May 22, 2017. As the extant literature is limited, any peer-reviewed article assessing military, contact sports athletes, or professional fighters was considered for inclusion. The main outcomes were regional binding to brain regions identified through control comparisons or through clinical metrics (e.g., standardized uptake volume ratios). A total of 1207 papers were identified for review, of which six met inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were planned but were deemed inappropriate given the small number of studies identified. Methodological concerns in these initial papers included small sample sizes, lack of a control comparison, use of nonstandard statistical procedures to quantify data, and interpretation of potentially off-target binding areas. Across studies, the hippocampi, amygdalae, and midbrain had reasonably consistent increased uptake. Evidence for increased uptake in cortical regions was less consistent. The evidence suggests that the field of PET imaging in those at risk for CTE remains nascent. As the field evolves to include more stringent studies, ligands for PET may prove an important tool in identifying CTE in vivo.
Topics: Amyloid Neuropathies; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Brain; Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy; Craniocerebral Trauma; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Inflammation; Positron-Emission Tomography; Tauopathies; tau Proteins
PubMed: 29609516
DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5558 -
BioMed Research International 2015This paper aims to review the morphological and functional characteristics of patients affected by familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), with greater focus on type I... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This paper aims to review the morphological and functional characteristics of patients affected by familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), with greater focus on type I and its progression after liver transplantation. We also analyse therapeutic options for the ophthalmic manifestations.
METHODS
The literature from 2002 through 2015 was reviewed, with a total of 45 articles studied, using the key terms related to amyloidosis and its therapeutic approaches. Information was collated, evaluated, critically assessed, and then summarised in its present form. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND TREATMENT: FAP results from mutation of the transthyretin gene, with Val30Met being the most frequent substitution. The symptoms are those typical of a sensorimotor autonomic neuropathy and can be halted with liver transplantation. Nowadays there are new medical therapies that delay the progression of the systemic neuropathy. However, there are still no options to avoid ocular disease.
CONCLUSION
The main ocular manifestations in patients with FAP type I are amyloid deposition in the vitreous, dry eye, and secondary glaucoma. Despite liver transplantation, eye synthesis of amyloid persists and is associated with progressive ocular manifestations, which require continued ophthalmologic follow-up. New therapeutic strategies are therefore needed, particularly to target the ocular synthesis of the abnormal protein.
Topics: Adult; Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial; Female; Humans; Iris; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 26558262
DOI: 10.1155/2015/282405