Unveiling transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis and its predictors among elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Relative interventricular septal brightness for subtype diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis: Results from the JSE J-CASE study

AIMS

In cardiac amyloidosis (CA), transthyretin-related (ATTR) CA is reported to have more microcalcifications in the interventricular septum (IVS) than other subtypes. This study investigates whether IVS microcalcifications can differentiate CA subtypes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 442 patients with CA were enrolled at 18 collaborating institutions of the Japan Cardiac Amyloidosis Survey of typical Echocardiographic findings (J-CASE) Study: 139 light chain/amyloid A (AL/AA) type, 255 wild type ATTR (ATTRwt), 48 variant ATTR (ATTRv), and 19 patients with hypertensive heart disease (HHD). Echocardiographic pixel brightness quantification of the IVS was performed using public domain software. The IVS brightness index (IVSBI) was defined as the ratio of the average pixel brightness in the IVS to the opposite left ventricular (LV) wall. The IVSBI from the apical 4-chamber view was higher in both the ATTRwt group (median 1.40, IQR 1.22 to 1.67) and the ATTRv group (1.59, 1.32 to 2.00) compared to the HHD group (1.20, 1.02 to 1.37) and the AL/AA group (1.25, 1.11 to 1.46), respectively (P < 0.05). In the Cox proportional hazards analysis, a 0.5 increase in IVSBI from the apical 4-chamber view was associated with a hazard ratio of 2.54 (95 % CI: 1.42-4.56, P = 0.002) for all-cause mortality in ATTRwt-CA (n = 157), adjusted for age, gender, LVEF, and National Amyloidosis Centre staging.

CONCLUSION

An IVSBI obtained from the apical 4-chamber view may be useful in distinguishing ATTR-CA from other forms of CA, potentially identifying subtle septal calcifications. Elevated IVSBI in ATTRwt-CA may have prognostic value.

[99mTc]Tc-DPD SPECT/CT evaluation of right and left ventricular involvement in cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Accurate assessment of ventricular involvement in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is essential for diagnosis and management. This study evaluated left and right ventricular (LV and RV) involvement in patients with ATTR-CA using single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) witch Technetium-99m and 3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid ([99mTc]Tc-DPD).

METHODS

This prospective, single-centre study enrolled 100 adults from 2020 to 2024 (NCT05814380). Participants underwent clinical assessment, genetic testing, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and [99mTc]Tc-DPD SPECT/CT. Volumetric and regional analyses of LV and RV amyloid burden were conducted. Patients were prospectively observed for 5 years to assess all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, RV uptake was observed in 91 % of patients with ATTR-CA. Radiotracer uptake was detected in the interventricular septum of all ATTR-CA patients, with apical involvement being less common (24 % hereditary ATTR vs. 31 % wild-type ATTR, p = 0.62). Notably, RV uptake was associated with RV thickness, LV global longitudinal strain, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels (p = 0.00007, p = 0.00022, p = 0.00007; respectively). Multivariate analysis identified increased LV mass index and NYHA class as predictors of RV involvement (area under curve: 0.96). Volumetric LV and RV SPECT uptake measurements and apical sparing correlated with all-cause mortality (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The presented findings confirm that SPECT/CT evaluation provides insights into both LV and RV involvement in patients with ATTR-CA and is associated with prognosis. Detailed assessment of RV involvement, through SPECT/CT, reveals significant structural and functional changes associated with disease severity. The presence of RV uptake is associated with advanced cardiac involvement, emphasising the importance of comprehensive biventricular evaluation in this patient population.

Pre-symptomatic scintigraphic and genetic cascade screening in cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis

PURPOSE

While early diagnosis is crucial, as new treatments can significantly slow the progression of the disease, there is growing evidence on the application of novel imaging techniques for detecting transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) in pre-symptomatic stages. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of pre-symptomatic scintigraphic imaging cascade screening for early detection of ATTR.

METHODS

During the period from 2020 to 2024, we conducted a prospective study that enrolled 100 consecutive adults. The study utilized a multimodal cascade screening approach to assess asymptomatic relatives of individuals with ATTR (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05814380). The analysis incorporated clinical data, genetic testing, echocardiography, scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) with [99mTc]Tc-DPD, regardless of the predicted age of disease onset.

RESULTS

Overall, scintigraphy identified cardiac amyloidosis (CA) in 8.2% of relatives, while 20.5% carried a pathogenic transthyretin variant without radiotracer uptake, with Phe53Leu being predominant. Notably, no relatives of wild-type ATTR patients exhibited CA on scintigraphy or carried a transthyretin variant. Additionally, newly-diagnosed relatives with ATTR CA presented elevated high-sensitivity troponin levels and exhibited a higher incidence of pathological electrocardiographic Q waves, greater thickness of the intraventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall, a notable decline in lateral wall and intraventricular septal E' tissue velocities measured by TDI, and the "5-5-5" sign (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The presented findings demonstrate that implementing a systematic screening protocol, which integrates genetic and scintigraphic testing, facilitates the early detection of ATTR. Crucially, a significant proportion of asymptomatic relatives of patients with hereditary ATTR may suffer from underlying CA.

REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05814380.

The Last Decade in Cardiac Amyloidosis: Advances in Understanding Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Quantification, Prognosis, Treatment Strategies, and Monitoring Response

Cardiac amyloidosis represents a unique disease process characterized by amyloid fibril deposition within the myocardial extracellular space. Advances in multimodality cardiac imaging enable accurate diagnosis and facilitate prompt initiation of disease-modifying therapies. Furthermore, rapid advances in multimodality imaging have enriched understanding of the underlying pathogenesis, enhanced prognostication, and resulted in the development of imaging-based markers that reflect the amyloid burden, which is of increasing importance when assessing the response to treatment. Whereas conventional therapies have focused on reducing amyloid formation and subsequent stabilization of the cardiac disease process, novel agents are being developed to accelerate the immune-mediated removal of amyloid fibrils from the heart. In this context, the ability to track changes in the amyloid burden over time is of paramount importance. Although advanced imaging techniques have shown efficacy in tracking the treatment response, future research focused on improved precision through use of artificial intelligence may augment the detection of changes earlier in the course of treatment.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: Literature review and red-flag symptom clusters for each cardiology specialty

Wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM) is a progressive and infiltrative cardiac disorder that may cause fatal consequences if left untreated. The estimated survival time from diagnosis is approximately 3-6 years. Because of the non-specificity of initial symptom manifestation and insufficient awareness among treating physicians, approximately one-third of patients with ATTRwt-CM are initially misdiagnosed with other cardiac diseases. Although heart failure (HF) is the most common initial manifestation of ATTRwt-CM, observed in nearly 70% of affected patients, patients may also present with other cardiologic symptoms, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and aortic stenosis (AS). This non-specific and diverse nature of the initial ATTRwt-CM presentation indicates that various cardiology subspecialties are involved in patient diagnosis and management. Standard guideline-directed pharmacological treatment for HF is not recommended for patients with ATTRwt-CM because of its limited effectiveness. However, no established algorithms are available regarding HF management in this patient population. This literature review provides an overview of the red flags for ATTRwt-CM and research findings regarding HF management in this patient population. In addition to commonly recognized red flags for ATTRwt-CM (e.g., HF, AF and severe AS), published literature identified potential red flags such as coronary microvascular dysfunction. For HF management in patients with ATTRwt-CM, the use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) was reported as a well-tolerated option associated with a low discontinuation rate and reduced mortality. Although there is no concrete evidence for recommendations against sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) administration, research supporting its use is limited to small-scale studies. Robust evidence is lacking for AF ablation, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy. Based on the published findings and our clinical experience as Japanese ATTRwt-CM experts, red-flag symptom clusters for each cardiology specialty (HF, arrhythmia and ischaemia/structural heart disease) and a treatment scheme for HF management are presented. As this research area remains at an exploratory stage, our observations would require further discussion among experts worldwide.

Integrated specialty care for amyloidosis: a scoping review using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

BACKGROUND

Amyloidosis is a complex and rare disease requiring specialized, multidisciplinary care to effectively manage its diverse manifestations. Existing evidence underscores the benefits of such care, linked to improved patient outcomes and clinician satisfaction. With the rising incidence of amyloidosis diagnoses and rapid advancements in treatment, the need for coordinated, expert-led care is increasing. However, implementing these centers is challenging due to resource allocation and inter-specialty collaboration. While resource allocation is a known hurdle, there has not been a comprehensive review of all the barriers and facilitators to establishing these clinics. This scoping review aims to identify the barriers and facilitators related to the implementation of coordinated, multidisciplinary specialty care clinics in amyloidosis management.

METHODS

An electronic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, and CINAHL for studies published in English from 2013 to 2023, supplemented by a grey literature search. The inclusion criteria focused on studies discussing multidisciplinary clinical environments for amyloidosis care, particularly light-chain (AL) and transthyretin amyloidosis (TTR). Exclusion criteria included books, opinion pieces, dissertations, and conference abstracts. Data were analyzed and synthesized using a narrative synthesis approach, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 1547 findings. After screening with Covidence, 7 papers were included in the final review. Independent reviewers screened and extracted the papers. Key facilitators identified include access to experts, adequate staffing, secure funding, partnerships with patient advocacy groups, and robust processes for multidisciplinary communication. Barriers primarily relate to the complexity of care, a lack of standardized protocols, difficulties in communication and coordination between providers, and challenges in training and maintaining knowledgeable care providers. The review also revealed significant gaps in existing research.

CONCLUSIONS

This review enhances understanding of the barriers and facilitators in establishing amyloidosis specialty clinics. Addressing these barriers and leveraging facilitators are crucial for shaping the future of amyloidosis care. These insights support a model for implementing integrated care for this growing patient population and highlight the need for further research to support policy development and effective implementation of these specialized clinics.

Echocardiographic Features of Wild-Type Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis From J-Case: Multicenter Survey in Japan

BACKGROUND

Wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt-CA) occurs at a high prevalence in older patients with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. However, detecting ATTRwt-CA using echocardiography is challenging.

OBJECTIVES

This study identified echocardiographic findings characterizing ATTRwt-CA compared with monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and hereditary transthyretin CA.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study on the echocardiographic findings characterizing ATTRwt-CA. J-CASE (Japan Cardiac Amyloidosis Survey of typical Echocardiographic findings) analyzed echocardiographic data in 311 patients with histologically proven amyloid deposition in the myocardium and diagnosis of transthyretin CA or monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain CA.

RESULTS

Among the cohort, 172 patients (55.3%) were diagnosed with ATTRwt-CA. A multiple discriminant analysis revealed that LV hypertrophy with a more extensive LV mass index but relatively modest interventricular septum thickening and enlargement of maximal papillary muscle diameter were significant echocardiographic findings characterizing ATTRwt-CA. In addition to the patient backgrounds such as advanced age, male sex, concomitant diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, the discriminant model, including these echocardiographic findings showed significant discriminant power of ATTRwt-CA from the other subtypes (83.8% accuracy with 86.0% positive predictive value and 81.4% negative predictive value, when the sensitivity and specificity are at their maximum values of the model).

CONCLUSIONS

In the J-CASE data set, LV hypertrophy with a more extensive LV mass index but relatively modest interventricular septum thickening and enlargement of papillary muscle diameter significantly characterized ATTRwt-CA. These findings may lead to more accurate screening echocardiography for diagnosing ATTRwt-CA and motivate the subsequent comprehensive clinical diagnostic process, including multimodality imaging.

Heart Failure in Older Patients: An Update

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with high incidence and prevalence and high morbidity and death rate, even in the short term, representing a serious public health issue, mainly in older people. It is a growing cause for hospital admission in this age group, being frequently associated with several comorbidities, further aggravating the disease's course. Moreover, older HF patients are usually affected by clinical conditions, like frailty, malnutrition, and cachexia, which significantly impact the overall management of HF and need to be properly identified and treated. Diagnosing and managing HF in older patients may be very complicated and challenging. Although specific data on treatment of both acute and chronic HF in older subjects are limited and mainly extrapolated from large-scale clinical trials, the standard pharmacological management may be considered well-tolerated and generally safe. In any case, a personalized and tailored approach is mandatory and is based on severity of comorbidities, overall status, and prognosis, above all in frailer and more comorbid subjects, due to the higher rate of drug interactions, side effects, and therapy discontinuation in this population. In this scenario, palliative care has become a fundamental part of HF management in the elderly in order to improve their care and the quality of life. Moreover, an increasing number of promising pharmacological options deserve further investigation in order to support clinicians in optimizing management of comorbid and frailer patients. In this work, we provide detailed and updated insight into clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic features of both acute and chronic HF in the older population.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: a paradigm for advancing precision medicine

Development of specific therapies addressing the underlying diseases' mechanisms constitutes the basis of precision medicine. Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) is an exemplar of precise therapeutic approach in the field of heart failure and cardiomyopathies. A better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, more precise data of its epidemiology, and advances in imaging techniques that allow non-invasive diagnosis have fostered the development of new and very effective specific therapies for ATTR-CM. Therapeutic advances have revolutionized the field, transforming a rare, devastating, and untreatable disease into a more common disease with several therapeutic alternatives available. Three main types of therapies (stabilizers, suppressors, and degraders) that act at different points of the amyloidogenic cascade have been developed or are currently under investigation. In this review, the key advances in pathophysiology and epidemiology that have occurred in the last decades along with the different therapeutic alternatives available or under development for ATTR-CM are described, illustrating the role of precision medicine applied to cardiovascular disorders. Pending questions that would need to be answered in upcoming years are also reviewed.

Outpatient diuretic intensification: a simple prognostic marker in cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Currently, simple clinical parameters indicating disease progression are lacking in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of outpatient diuretic intensification (ODI) in ATTR-CM patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study examined ATTR-CM patients at a tertiary care center between August 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023. ODI was defined as any loop diuretic increase within 6 months after baseline visit, and its impact on all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) was analyzed.

RESULTS

Altogether, 182 patients were included (median age 80 [76; 84] years; 88% male), and 25% experienced ODI (median increase 10 [10; 40] mg furosemide equivalent). Independent predictors of ODI were higher baseline New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and polyneuropathy. Both any ODI and the magnitude of furosemide equivalent increase were significantly associated with mortality and HF hospitalization during a median follow-up of 17 months. After adjusting for baseline NYHA class and National Amyloidosis Centre stage, significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-5.53; p = 0.043) and HF hospitalization (HR 3.27, 95% CI 1.41-7.60; p = 0.006) persisted in patients with ODI. Its prognostic value was similar in strata of age, ATTR subtype, previous cardiac decompensation, biomarkers, left ventricular ejection fraction, six-minute walk distance, and tafamidis treatment.

CONCLUSION

ODI occurred in one in four ATTR-CM patients within 6 months and was associated with more severe baseline amyloid organ manifestations. ODI and the magnitude of diuretic dose increase provide easily assessable clinical markers of disease progression in patient monitoring.

CT-derived extracellular volume fraction in aortic stenosis, cardiac amyloidosis, and dual pathology

AIMS

To investigate CT-derived extracellular volume fraction (CT-ECV) in patients with lone aortic stenosis (AS), dual pathology of AS and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (AS-ATTR), and lone ATTR, and to examine the diagnostic performance and optimal cut-off values of CT-ECV for differentiating between patients with lone AS and AS-ATTR and between patients with lone AS and lone ATTR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective study included consecutive patients with severe AS (including lone AS and AS-ATTR) and lone ATTR who underwent CT-ECV analysis and technetium 99 m pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) scintigraphy. The diagnostic performance of CT-ECV for detecting cardiac amyloidosis was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Of 138 patients (mean age, 80 ± 8; 96 men), 55 had lone AS, 19 had AS-ATTR, and 64 had lone ATTR. CT-derived extracellular volume fraction of patients with lone AS was 31 ± 5%. CT-derived extracellular volume fraction was significantly lower in patients with AS-ATTR than lone ATTR (45 ± 12% vs. 53 ± 13%, P = 0.04). The AUC for differentiating patients with AS-ATTR from lone AS was lower than for lone ATTR from lone AS [0.90 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.96) vs. 0.95 (95% CI: 0.90, 0.98)]. The cut-off values of CT-ECV for differentiation between patients with lone AS and AS-ATTR were lower than those between patients with lone AS and lone ATTR [36.6% vs. 38.5% (Youden index)]. There was no significant difference in the proportion of 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy grade between patients with AS-ATTR and lone ATTR (P = 0.20).

CONCLUSION

Despite no significant difference in degree of ATTR between patients with AS-ATTR and lone ATTR, CT-ECV of patients with dual AS-ATTR pathology was significantly lower than that of patients with lone ATTR. The diagnostic performance and optimal cut-off values of CT-ECV for differentiating between patients with lone AS and AS-ATTR were lower than those between patients with lone AS and lone ATTR.

High frequency of occult transthyretin and apolipoprotein AI-type amyloid in aortic valves removed by valve replacement for aortic stenosis

BACKGROUND

A high incidence of valvular involvement of amyloid in the setting of aortic stenosis (AS) has been reported. Amyloid derived from ApoAI (AApoAI) can form local amyloid deposits in the aortic valve. Although a high prevalence of concomitant severe AS and cardiac transthyretin-type amyloidosis (ATTR) has been reported, the prevalence of valvular involvement by ATTR and AApoAI is unclear.

METHODS

Using immunostaining and mass spectrometry, we analysed amyloid proteins in 97 aortic valves removed for valve replacement due to AS at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine between 2014 and 2021. Clinical information was also reviewed.

RESULTS

Amyloid deposits were found in 44 cases (45%), of which 30 cases (68%) involved ATTR and 33 cases (75%) AApoAI. Statistical analysis showed significantly lower age and E/e' among amyloid-positive cases compared with amyloid-negative cases and significantly lower brain natriuretic peptide, higher fractional shortening, and higher left ventricular ejection fraction among ATTR-positive cases compared with ATTR-negative cases. Seven recent patients underwent bone scintigraphy and ATTR cardiomyopathy was observed in only one case.

CONCLUSIONS

AS symptoms can manifest earlier in patients with amyloid or ATTR deposition in the aortic valve than in patients without such deposition, even though left ventricular function is preserved.

Tracking the Preclinical Progression of Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Using Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Electrocardiography and Echocardiography

Background and Aims

The diagnosis of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) requires advanced imaging, precluding large-scale pre-clinical testing. Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and electrocardiography (ECG) may provide a scalable strategy for pre-clinical monitoring.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of individuals referred for nuclear cardiac amyloid testing at Yale-New Haven Health System (YNHHS, internal cohort) and Houston Methodist Hospitals (HMH, external cohort). Deep learning models trained to discriminate ATTR-CM from age/sex-matched controls on TTE videos (AI-Echo) and ECG images (AI-ECG) were deployed to generate study-level ATTR-CM probabilities (0-100%). Longitudinal trends in AI-derived probabilities were examined using age/sex-adjusted linear mixed models, and their discrimination of future disease was evaluated across preclinical stages.

Results

Among 984 participants at YNHHS (median age 74 years, 44.3% female) and 806 at HMH (69 years, 34.5% female), 112 (11.4%) and 174 (21.6%) tested positive for ATTR-CM, respectively. Across cohorts and modalities, AI-derived ATTR-CM probabilities from 7,352 TTEs and 32,205 ECGs diverged as early as 3 years before diagnosis in cases versus controls (p time(x)group interaction≤0.004). Among those with both AI-Echo and AI-ECG available one-to-three years before nuclear testing (n=433 [YNHHS] and 174 [HMH]), a double-negative screen at a 0.05 threshold (164 [37.9%] and 66 [37.9%], vs all else) had 90.9% and 85.7% sensitivity (specificity of 40.3% and 41.2%), whereas a double-positive screen (78 [18.0%] and 26 [14.9%], vs all else) had 85.5% and 88.9% specificity (sensitivity of 60.6% and 42.9%).

Conclusions

AI-enabled echocardiography and electrocardiography may enable scalable risk stratification of ATTR-CM during its pre-clinical course.

Outcomes of aortic stenosis in patients with cardiac amyloidosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) results from the deposition of abnormally folded protein fibrils, leading to restrictive cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, and arrhythmias. Up to 15 % of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) have concomitant CA (AS-CA). We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare medical management, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and surgical AVR (SAVR) in AS-CA.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted for relevant studies from inception through January 20, 2024. Studies exploring outcomes in adult AS patients with and without CA receiving medical therapy, TAVR, or SAVR were included in this analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies including 253,334 patients (AS-CA 6704; AS alone 246,630) were identified. AS-CA patients had significantly higher all-cause mortality (RR = 2.60, 95 % CI 1.48-4.57, P = 0.0009) compared to AS alone. Among patients with AS-CA, TAVR was associated with lower all-cause mortality compared to both medical therapy (RR = 0.50, 95 % CI 0.29-0.89, P = 0.02) and SAVR (RR = 0.41, 95 % CI 0.22-0.78, P = 0.007). AS-CA patients undergoing TAVR were more likely to have paradoxical low-flow, low-gradient AS (RR = 1.56, 95 % CI 1.15-2.12, P = 0.04) at baseline and had a higher risk of post-TAVR acute kidney injury (RR = 1.95, 95 % CI 1.35-2.80, P = 0.0003) compared to patients undergoing TAVR for AS alone. There were similar risks of other post-TAVR complications, including major bleeding, vascular complications, stroke, and new pacemaker implantation between AS-CA and AS alone.

CONCLUSION

CA is associated with a higher mortality in patients with severe AS. In patients with concomitant AS and CA, TAVR is safe and associated with better survival than medical therapy or SAVR. SOCIAL MEDIA ABSTRACT: #Meta-Analysis: Cardiac amyloidosis is associated with increased mortality in severe AS. #TAVR is safe in amyloidosis & improves survival more than medical therapy or SAVR.

Impact of amyloidosis on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Data on the impact of amyloidosis on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 1-year risk of adverse events post-TAVI in patients with amyloidosis.

METHODS

Patients undergoing TAVI (between 2005 and 2023) were categorized into 2 groups based on the presence of amyloidosis. The primary outcome was the 1-year risk of a composite endpoint: heart failure (HF), ischemic stroke, pacemaker implantation, acute kidney injury, and all-cause death. Secondary outcomes assessed the individual components of the composite. Propensity score matching was used to balance the groups, and Cox regression was used to assess the risk of adverse outcomes associated with amyloidosis. Composite outcomes were analyzed for early (30-days) and long-term (30-days to 1 year) follow-up.

RESULTS

Data from 589 TAVI patients with amyloidosis (mean age 78.9±8.2 years, 31.9% female) were compared with 52 296 individuals without amyloidosis (mean age 78.1±8.8 years, 40.3% female). After propensity score matching, patients with amyloidosis had a significantly higher 1-year risk of adverse events (HR, 1.27; 95%CI, 1.08-1.49). Specifically, patients with amyloidosis showed an increased risk of HF (HR, 1.37; 95%CI, 1.10-1.70). Stroke risk (HR, 1.67; 95%CI, 1.16-2.40) and pacemaker implantation (HR, 2.25; 95%CI, 1.15-4.41) were higher during long-term follow-up, while no differences were found for acute kidney injury or all-cause mortality between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients undergoing TAVI, those with amyloidosis are at a higher risk of adverse events, particularly HF, and have an increased risk of pacemaker implantation and stroke in the long-term.

Disease-modifying therapies for amyloid transthyretin cardiomyopathy: Current and emerging medications

Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a rare disease that results in amyloid fibril misfolding and deposition in multiple organs, including the heart, leading to the development of ATTR cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), which is associated with poor outcomes. In the last decade, several disease-modifying medications are in advanced stages of clinical development or have been approved to treat ATTR-CM. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate clinical trial data investigating the use of approved and investigational medications for the treatment of ATTR-CM. We performed a comprehensive literature search via PubMed and EMBASE to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating medications for the treatment of ATTR-CM published through August 2024. This narrative review describes the pathophysiology of ATTR-CM, highlights important screening and diagnostic work-up, and summarizes the existing clinical evidence resulting from our literature search. Several classes of disease-modifying medications are in development for ATTR-CM. The tetramer stabilizers and transthyretin silencers have proven to be the most effective therapies to date. Tafamidis and acoramidis are currently approved for ATTR-CM while vutrisiran approval for ATTR-CM may be forthcoming. Other disease-modifying medication classes in development include antisense oligonucleotides, gene editing therapies, and monoclonal antibodies. However, several unmet needs exist including the lack of cost-effectiveness due to the extremely high acquisition costs of these medications. Disease-modifying medications approved and in development to treat ATTR-CM offer hope for patients with this disease, but their lack of affordability is the biggest barrier to their use.

Prevalence of Cardiac Amyloidosis Among Elderly Patients With Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: The PREVAL-ATTR Study

BACKGROUND

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is increasingly recognized as a treatable form of heart failure. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with ATTR-CA. Whether recent-onset AF can be used as an early marker to identify patients with ATTR-CA has not been elucidated.

METHODS

This was a prospective study conducted at 3 Spanish centres. ATTR-CA noninvasive screening was offered to patients ≥ 65 years of age recently diagnosed (< 1 year) with nonvalvular AF and who had ≥ 1 echocardiographic, electrocardiographic, or clinical sign suggestive of ATTR-CA.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients were included (75% male, mean age 77 ± 7 years). Ten patients (8.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI],4-14.7%), were diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis (CA): 5 with definite wild-type ATTR-CA (ATTRwt), 4 with likely ATTRwt, and 1 with undetermined CA. Compared with patients without CA, patients with CA were older (84 ± 4 vs 76 ± 7 years; P < 0.001), more frequently men (90% vs 59%; P = 0.047), presented higher median N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) (3800 pg/L, interquartile range [IQR]:1682-6101 vs 1048 pg/mL, IQR: 427-3154; P = 0.017) and higher left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (14 mm, IQR: 13-17 vs 12 mm, IQR: 12-13; P = 0.003). Patients with CA also showed higher rate of permanent AF (90% vs 49.5%; P = 0.018) and a greater need for pacemaker implantation during follow-up (30% vs 7.3%; P = 0.049). No differences in mortality were observed between patients with and without CA after a median follow-up of 13 months (IQR: 11-16 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Routine DPD scanning in elderly patients with recent-onset AF, LVH and an additional red flag may help to identify patients with ATTR-CA. However, larger studies evaluating this strategy in more diverse clinical settings would be required.

Cardiac Amyloidosis Screening and Management in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: An International Survey

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is still an underdiagnosed cause of heart failure (HF) and early disease recognition and timely disease-modifying therapy (DMT) administration translate to better outcomes. We aimed to assess CA screening and management approaches for patients with HF preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) among physicians worldwide. An independent academic web-based survey was distributed worldwide between May 2023 and July 2023. Overall, 1,460 physicians (61% were men, median age was 42 [34 to 49] years) from 95 countries completed the survey. A total of 2/3 of respondents had experience diagnosing CA and reported having 10% of patients with CA in patients with HFpEF. Systematic screening for CA of all patients with HFpEF was performed by 10% of responders, whereas 24% did not consider the screening. Most responders (39%) used left ventricular hypertrophy as a screening criterion. Serum protein electrophoresis with immunofixation of free light chain and urine protein electrophoresis or cardiac magnetic resonance were selected by half of the responders as a first-line diagnostic tool. The combination of serum protein electrophoresis with immunofixation free light chain, urine protein electrophoresis, and bone scintigraphy was considered by 32% of the participants. CA DMT was available for 48% of the physicians. About 82% of responders would administrate HF to patients with HFpEF with CA, with the most preferable drugs being diuretics, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. In conclusion, the results reveal the uncertainties among physicians worldwide regarding the need for CA screening of patients with HFpEF. CA remains a disease with very heterogeneous management, particularly, in the screening and diagnostic workup. The HF community should aim to educate on CA and improve access to DMT.

Frailty in heart failure according to the presence or absence of wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

AIMS

Wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt CA) is a common, underdiagnosed cause of heart failure (HF) in the elderly. Concurrent extracardiac amyloid infiltration might be responsible for a specific frailty phenotype. This study aims to compare the prevalence and characteristics of frailty parameters in HF patients, with or without ATTRwt CA.

METHODS

In a comparative cross-sectional study, we prospectively included consecutive HF patients with or without ATTRwt CA (the HF + ATTRwt+ and HF + ATTRwt- groups, respectively) between April 2018 and April 2021. Logistic regression models were used to compare the groups with regard to frailty as assessed using multidimensional geriatric tools.

RESULTS

We included 123 patients (68 HF + ATTRwt+ and 55 HF + ATTRwt-). The mean age was 80.9 (standard deviation 6.3) years, 87% were male, 34% had left ventricular systolic dysfunction and 34% were New York Heart Association (NYHA) III. Relative to the HF + ATTRwt- group, patients in the HF + ATTRwt+ group were more likely to have shrinking [odds ratios = 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 1.7), P = 0.03], balance disorders [1.8 (1.1 to 2.8), P = 0.02], memory complaints [2.5, (1.0 to 5.9), P = 0.05] and overactive bladder [1.5 (1.1 to 2.2), P = 0.03], independently of age, sex, NYHA class and diabetes status. The proportion of very frail patients was higher (albeit not significantly) in the HF + ATTRwt+ group than in the HF + ATTRwt- group [2.4 (0.9 to 6.9), P = 0.10].

CONCLUSIONS

ATTRwt CA is associated with a specific frailty phenotype. Patients with ATTRwt CA should be screened for frailty and managed collaboratively by cardiologists and geriatricians, with a view to improving quality of life.

Wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis and aortic stenosis: Can carpal tunnel syndrome help distinguish the chicken from the egg?

BACKGROUND

The frequent association between transthyretin wild-type (TTRwt) cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and aortic stenosis (AS) suggests a bidirectional relationship: TTRwt-CA could induce AS and vice versa. Systemic manifestations may highlight this interaction: systemic amyloidogenesis would lead to systemic symptoms, CA, and AS, whereas the myocardial stresses induced by degenerative AS might promote local amyloidogenesis without systemic symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most frequently reported extracardiac symptom. Through a comparison of TTRwt-CA patients with and without CTS, we sought to determine whether CTS serves as a reliable indicator of systemic involvement and its impact on cardiac and valvular characteristics.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 411 consecutive patients with TTRwt-CA were included. CTS, present in 70.3%, was associated with a younger age (80 vs. 84 years, p < 0.001), more extracardiac symptoms, and advanced CA, with greater cardiac remodeling and a higher heart-to-mediastinum ratio (1.63 vs. 1.54; p = 0.012) compared to patients without CTS. AS was present in 21% and 31% of patients with and without CTS, respectively (p = 0.024). Except for AS, these associations remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors. In severe AS, patients with CTS exclusively exhibited low-flow low-gradient (LFLG) AS and less severe class of aortic valvular calcium score (5.6% vs. 60%; p = 0.006) compared to those without CTS.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that CTS may delineate two phenotypes in TTRwt-CA: a systemic phenotype associated with advanced CA and poorly calcified LFLG AS, and a cardiac phenotype characterized by less severe CA and a mixed pattern of highly calcified AS, suggesting disparate pathophysiologies.

Artificial intelligence-guided detection of under-recognised cardiomyopathies on point-of-care cardiac ultrasonography: a multicentre study

BACKGROUND

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) enables cardiac imaging at the bedside and in communities but is limited by abbreviated protocols and variation in quality. We aimed to develop and test artificial intelligence (AI) models to screen for under-diagnosed cardiomyopathies from cardiac POCUS.

METHODS

In a development set of 290 245 transthoracic echocardiographic videos across the Yale-New Haven Health System (YNHHS), we used augmentation approaches, and a customised loss function weighted for view quality to derive a POCUS-adapted, multi-label, video-based convolutional neural network that discriminates hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy from controls without known disease. We evaluated the model across independent, internal, and external, retrospective cohorts of individuals undergoing cardiac POCUS across YNHHS and the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) emergency departments (between 2012 and 2024) to prioritise key views and validate the diagnostic and prognostic performance of single-view screening protocols.

FINDINGS

Between Nov 1, 2023, and March 28, 2024, we identified 33 127 patients (mean age 58·9 [SD 20·5] years, 17 276 [52·2%] were female, 14 923 [45·0%] were male, and for 928 [2·8%] sex was recorded as unknown) at YNHHS and 5624 patients (mean age 56·0 [20·5] years, 1953 [34·7%] were female, 2470 [43·9%] were male, and for 1201 [21·4%] sex was recorded as unknown) at MSHS with 78 054 and 13 796 eligible cardiac POCUS videos, respectively. AI deployed to single-view POCUS videos successfully discriminated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (eg, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0·903 [95% CI 0·795-0·981] in YNHHS; 0·890 [0·839-0·938] in MSHS for apical-4-chamber acquisitions) and transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (0·907 [0·874-0·932] in YNHHS; 0·972 [0·959-0·983] in MSHS for parasternal acquisitions). In YNHHS, 40 (58%) of 69 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy cases and 22 (46%) of 48 transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy cases would have had a positive screen by AI-POCUS at a median of 2·1 (IQR 0·9-4·5) years and 1·9 (0·6-3·5) years before diagnosis. Moreover, among 25 261 participants without known cardiomyopathy followed up over a median of 2·8 (1·2-6·4) years, AI-POCUS probabilities in the highest (vs lowest) quintile for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy conferred a 17% (adjusted hazard ratio 1·17, 95% CI 1·06-1·29; p=0·0022) and 32% (1·39, 1·19-1·46; p<0·0001) higher adjusted mortality risk, respectively.

INTERPRETATION

We developed and validated an AI framework that enables scalable, opportunistic screening of under-recognised cardiomyopathies through simple POCUS acquisitions.

FUNDING

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and BridgeBio.

Suspicion and referral of patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: Recommendations by a Portuguese multidisciplinary expert panel

Early diagnosis of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is crucial for better disease management and outcome. To ensure timely diagnosis, a multidisciplinary panel of Portuguese experts, including cardiologists, internal medicine specialists, and general practitioners, have developed a national consensus to aid physicians in enhancing the referral of patients with suspicion of ATTR-CM in Portugal. A structured approach was used to develop the consensus: (1) an online survey aimed at identifying clinical red flags, patient journeys, and diagnostic tools related to ATTR-CM; (2) a face-to-face roundtable meeting where the survey findings were discussed and a consensus was reached on referral and diagnostic algorithms for ATTR-CM in Portugal; and (3) critical review of the proposed algorithms. The referral and diagnostic algorithms for ATTR-CM in Portugal were developed considering current recommendations, but also the existence of a nationwide network of specialized cardiomyopathy clinics and national reference centers for familial amyloid polyneuropathy due to the endemic p.V50M variant. This collaborative effort aims to enhance awareness, facilitate timely referrals and improve early diagnosis, ultimately ensuring better management of ATTR-CM patients in Portugal.

Prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis in atrial fibrillation: a CMR study prior to catheter ablation

The frequency of cardiac amyloidosis potentially present in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of cardiac amyloidosis latent in AF by performing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients scheduled for AF ablation. We retrospectively analyzed 193 consecutive patients who underwent CA and cardiac MRI for atrial fibrillation. The primary endpoint of the study was the frequency of histologically confirmed cardiac amyloidosis or suspected cardiac amyloidosis [positive imaging findings on cardiac MRI strongly suspecting cardiac amyloidosis (diffuse subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement or MRI-derived extracellular volume of > 0.40)]. Among the 193 patients, 8 were confirmed or suspected cases of cardiac amyloidosis, representing a frequency of 4% (8/193 patients). Multivariate analysis identified interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole (LVSd) as an independent and significant predictor of cardiac amyloidosis (OR: 1.72, 95% CI 1.12-2.87, p = 0.020).The optimal cut-off value for IVSd was determined to be > 12.9 mm based on the Youden index. At this cut-off, the sensitivity was 75.0% (95% CI 34.9-96.8%) and the specificity was 92.3% (95% CI 87.4-95.7%), allowing for the identification of patients with definite or suspected cardiac amyloidosis. The frequency of confirmed and suspected cases of cardiac amyloidosis among patients with an IVSd > 12.9 mm was 30% (6/20 patients). In addition, prevalence of biopsy-proven cardiac amyloidosis was 10% (2/20). The prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis in atrial fibrillation patients scheduled for ablation with cardiac hypertrophy is not negligible.

Echocardiographic phenotype in severe aortic stenosis with and without transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis: the AMY-TAVI study

AIMS

The relative apical sparing pattern of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (RELAPS > 1) has been described as a typical sign of cardiac amyloidosis (CA). The objective was to validate this pattern in concomitant CA and aortic stenosis (AS) and to identify new echocardiographic variables suggestive of CA in the presence of AS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients (age 81.5 ± 5.8 years, 51% women) with AS who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) were prospectively included. 2D speckle tracking echocardiography was performed. Following TAVI, 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy and protein electrophoresis were performed to screen for CA. Thirty-eight patients (11.7%) showed cardiac uptake in scintigraphy: 14 patients (4.3%) with Grade 1, 13 (4%) with Grade 2, and 11 (3.4%) with Grade 3. Patients with Grades 2 and 3 (AS-CA group) had more LV hypertrophy (LV mass index: 188 vs. 172 g/m2, P = 0.032), lower transvalvular aortic pressure gradient (P < 0.003), and higher prevalence of low-gradient AS (50% vs. 19%, P = 0.001), as well as greater diastolic and systolic dysfunction. Strain analysis was limited to 243 patients due to poor acoustic window and restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic (81 lost: 79 in AS alone, 1 each in AS-DPD1 and AS-CA groups). RELAPS > 1 was more prevalent in AS-CA group (74% vs. 44%, P = 0.006). An echocardiographic prediction model (GRAM score) for CA in the presence of AS, which is more sensitive and specific than RELAPS > 1 alone, is proposed using the LV mass, maximum aortic gradient, and RELAPS > 1, in addition to age (area under the curve: 0.85, 95% confidence interval: 0.77-0.93).

CONCLUSION

RELAPS > 1 is more prevalent in AS-CA but can occur in almost half of AS patients without CA, which reduces its value as a screening tool. A more sensitive and specific prediction score for CA in patients with severe AS is proposed.

Coexisting Calcific Aortic Stenosis and Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis: Real-World Evaluation of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The coexistence of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) and aortic stenosis (AS) is increasingly recognized, but the clinical consequences are unclear. We aimed to characterize clinical outcomes in AS plus ATTR-CA compared with only AS or ATTR-CA.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a retrospective cohort study, patients with AS only, ATTR-CA only, or AS plus ATTR-CA were identified using all-payer claims data (2015-2021). Eligible patients had ≥1 claim for AS or cardiac amyloidosis (excluding light-chain cardiac amyloidosis); were aged ≥60 years; and were continuously enrolled in medical plans for ≥6 months after diagnosis. Ad hoc subanalyses were conducted in patients with aortic valve replacement at first diagnosis (surrogate for severe AS). Of 355 430 eligible patients, 345 771 (97.3%), 8453 (2.4%), and 1239 (0.3%) were included in the AS-only, ATTR-CA-only, and AS-plus-ATTR-CA cohorts, respectively; 41 312 (11.9%), 14 (0.2%), and 212 (17.1%) had aortic valve replacement. Two-year mortality rates were 16.1% (95% CI, 15.9-16.2), 14.8% (95% CI, 13.9-15.7), and 19.2% (95% CI, 16.9-21.8) in the AS-only, ATTR-CA-only, and AS-plus-ATTR-CA cohorts; heart failure hospitalization rates were 29.4% (95% CI, 29.2-29.5), 22.8% (95% CI, 21.9-23.8), and 48.7% (95% CI, 45.7-51.7). AS plus ATTR-CA was associated with increased risk of death (HR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.1-1.4]; P<0.0001) and heart-failure hospitalization (HR, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.8-2.1]; P<0.0001) versus AS alone. In the aortic valve replacement subgroup, AS plus ATTR-CA was associated with an increased mortality rate (HR, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.1-1.8]; P=0.003) but not heart failure hospitalization (HR, 1.1 [95% CI, 0.9-1.3]; P=0.07) versus AS only.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AS plus ATTR-CA experience worse clinical outcomes than patients with AS only. Increased awareness of these coexisting conditions may help facilitate earlier screening and improve prognosis.

Epidemiology of transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis: a systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

Significant advances in the treatment of transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis has led to an evolving understanding of the epidemiology of this condition. This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to synthesize current evidence on epidemiology and mortality outcomes in ATTR amyloidosis, addressing the need for a comprehensive understanding of its current global impact.

METHODS

An SLR of the literature from January 2018 to April 2023 was conducted using the Medline and Embase databases. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Studies evaluating populations with genotypes and phenotypes of ATTR amyloidosis (variant and wild-type cardiomyopathy, polyneuropathy, and mixed) were included. Observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were eligible, while reports, commentaries, clinical trials, and non-ATTR amyloidosis studies were excluded. Extracted data included prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates.

RESULTS

Of the 1,458 studies identified, 113 met the inclusion criteria. Forty-nine studies reported on epidemiology, while 64 focused on mortality rates in cohorts of patients with ATTR amyloidosis from Europe (n = 16), North America (n = 26), Asia (n = 5), and Australia (n = 2). No studies were found that exclusively focused on ATTR amyloidosis in Africa or South America. ATTR prevalence ranged from 6.1/million in the US to 232/million in Portugal with very limited data on ATTR-PN. The 2-year mortality risk ranged from 10 to 30% among wild-type ATTR-CM and from 10 to 50% for variant type of ATTR-CM.

CONCLUSIONS

This SLR demonstrated heterogeneity in ATTR epidemiology and mortality rates across global regions. Further investigation is needed to address knowledge gaps of the epidemiology and burden of ATTR, which may improve early diagnosis and management.

2025 Update Consensus of 99mTc-Pyrophosphate Scintigraphy in the Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis from the Taiwan Society of Cardiology and the Society of Nuclear Medicine of the Republic of China

This 2025 updated consensus outlines the diagnostic strategy for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Given that ATTR-CM is a significant contributor to heart failure, this article emphasizes the importance of making an early and precise diagnosis, particularly as new therapeutic options become available. Highlighting the critical importance of an early and accurate diagnosis, particularly in light of emerging therapeutic modalities, this consensus underscores the central role of 99mTc-pyrophosphate (PYP) scintigraphy as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. The consensus calls for the adoption of standardized imaging protocols and interpretation criteria to ensure consistency and reliability across diverse clinical settings. The integration of qualitative and quantitative imaging techniques within a structured diagnostic framework places particular focus on the use of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging to enhance diagnostic precision by minimizing blood pool activity and eliminating overlapping interference. Three-hour imaging is considered to be critical for accurate evaluations and to reduce false-positive findings, and it is recommended for its superior diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, quantitative assessments are also considered to be essential for evaluating myocardial amyloid deposition. This updated consensus provides comprehensive guidelines for clinicians, with the aim of optimizing patient outcomes through precise diagnosis and effective management of ATTR-CM. The consensus concludes by advocating for continued research and refinement of imaging methodologies, particularly to enhance the clinical applicability of 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy and other future developments in nuclear molecular imaging.

Deep learning model to diagnose cardiac amyloidosis from haematoxylin/eosin-stained myocardial tissue

Aims

Amyloid deposition in myocardial tissue is a definitive feature for diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis, though less invasive imaging modalities such as bone tracer cardiac scintigraphy and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging have been established as first steps for its diagnosis. This study aimed to develop a deep learning model to support the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis from haematoxylin/eosin (HE)-stained myocardial tissue.

Methods and results

This single-centre retrospective observational study enrolled 166 patients who underwent myocardial biopsies between 2008 and 2022, including 76 patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis and 90 with other diagnoses. A deep learning model was developed to output the probabilities of cardiac amyloidosis for all the small patches cutout from each myocardial specimen. The developed model highlighted the area in the stained images as highly suspicious, corresponding to where Dylon staining marked amyloid deposition, and discriminated the patches in the evaluation dataset with an area under the curve of 0.965. Provided that the diagnostic criterion for cardiac amyloidosis was defined as a median probability of cardiac amyloidosis >50% in all patches, the model achieved perfect performance in discriminating patients with cardiac amyloidosis from those without it, with an area under the curve of 1.0.

Conclusion

A deep learning model was developed to diagnose cardiac amyloidosis from HE-stained myocardial tissue accurately. Although further prospective validation of this model using HE-stained myocardial tissues from multiple centres is needed, it may help minimize the risk of missing cardiac amyloidosis and maximize the utility of histological diagnosis in clinical practice.

Optimizing drug therapies in cardiac amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a form of infiltrative, restrictive cardiomyopathy that presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in clinical practice. Historically, it has led to poor prognosis due to limited treatment options. However, advancements in disease awareness, diagnostic tools, and management approaches have led to the beginning of an era characterized by earlier diagnosis and a broader range of treatments. This article examines the advances in treating the two primary forms of cardiac amyloidosis: transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) and light chain mediated cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA). It highlights therapies for ATTR-CA that focus on interrupting the process of amyloid fibril formation. These therapies include transthyretin stabilizers, gene silencers, and monoclonal antibodies, which have shown the potential to improve patient outcomes and survival rates significantly. As of this writing, tafamidis is the sole Food and Drug Administration (FDA)--approved drug for ATTR-CA; however, experts anticipate several other drugs will gain approval within 1-2 years. Treatment strategies for AL-CA typically involve chemotherapy to inhibit the clonal cell type responsible for excessive AL amyloid fibril production. The prognosis for both types of amyloidosis primarily depends on how much the heart is affected, with most deaths occurring due to progressive heart failure. Effective care for CA patients requires collaboration among specialists from multiple disciplines, such as heart failure cardiology, electrophysiology, hematology/oncology, nephrology, neurology, pharmacology, and palliative care.

Reproducibility of myocardial extracellular volume quantification using dual-energy computed tomography in patients with cardiac amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Quantifying myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) using computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be useful in the evaluation of cardiac amyloidosis. However, the reproducibility of CT measurements for myocardial ECV, is not well-established in patients with proven cardiac amyloidosis.

METHODS

This prospective single-center study enrolled cardiac amyloidosis patients to undergo dual-energy CT for myocardial fibrosis assessment. Delayed imaging at 7 and 8 ​min post-contrast and independent evaluations by two blinded cardiologists were performed for ECV quantification using 16-segment (ECVglobal) and septal sampling (ECVseptal). Inter- and intraobserver variability and test-retest reliability were measured using Spearman's rank correlation, Bland-Altman analysis, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

RESULTS

Among the 24 participants (median age ​= ​78, 67 ​% male), CT ECVglobal and ECVseptal showed median values of 53.6 ​% and 49.1 ​% at 7 ​min, and 53.3 ​% and 50.1 ​% at 8 ​min, respectively. Inter- and intraobserver variability and test-retest reliability for CT ECVglobal (ICC ​= ​0.798, 0.912, and 0.894, respectively) and ECVseptal (ICC ​= ​0.791, 0.898, and 0.852, respectively) indicated good reproducibility, with no evidence of systemic bias between observers or scans.

CONCLUSIONS

Dual-energy CT-derived ECV measurements demonstrated good reproducibility in patients with proven cardiac amyloidosis, suggesting potential utility as a repeatable imaging biomarker for this disease.

Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis in Australia and New Zealand-A Multi-Site Snapshot for 2022

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the burden of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) through a cross- sectional 'snapshot' of Australian Amyloidosis Network (AAN) and New Zealand (NZ) specialist amyloidosis clinics.

DESIGN, SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

A prospective survey was performed of seven AAN/ specialist amyloidosis clinics across Australia and NZ. All centres were invited to contribute data; participating centres provided clinical and demographic data for patients with ATTR-CA reviewed in the 2022 calendar year. Patients with new or previously confirmed ATTR-CA reviewed in the 2022 calendar year were included. Diagnosis was established through a positive cardiac scintigraphy scan in the absence of a monoclonal gammopathy or through a cardiac biopsy staining positive with transthyretin (TTR).

RESULTS

A total of 515 patients were reviewed across seven sites. A total of 302/515 (59%) were wild type TTR (ATTRwt), 63/515 (12%) were variant ATTR (ATTRv) and the remaining 150 (29%) had not undergone genetic testing at the time of data collection. A total of 455/515 (88%) patients were male. Compared to ATTRwt, patients with ATTRv had smaller left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (IVSd 14±3 mm vs 16±3mm, p<0.001), and better LV systolic function (LVGLS -15.4±5% vs -11.7±3%, p<0.001). Most patients, 387/515 (75%) were on at least one ATTR specific treatment, including EGCG (157), diflunisal (139), doxycycline (68) and tafamidis (78), acoramidis (33) and gene silencer therapies or monoclonal antibodies (23).

CONCLUSION

A significant number of patients with ATTR-CA are seen in specialist amyloidosis clinics across Australia and NZ. Most patients received specific amyloidosis therapy, thorough enrollment in clinical trials. With increased recognition of amyloidosis and newer therapies becoming available, the volume of patients seen in these clinics is likely to increase.

Prognostic value of computed tomography-derived myocardial extracellular volume in aortic stenosis: a meta-analysis of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization

Aims

Pre-existing myocardial fibrosis before aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a major cause of postoperative heart failure (HF). Evaluation of fibrosis by computed tomography extracellular volume (CT-ECV) may allow risk stratification for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) scheduled for transaortic AVR (TAVR) or surgical AVR (SAVR). We performed a meta-analysis to determine the prognostic value of CT-ECV for the prediction of adverse events in patients with severe AS scheduled for AVR.

Methods and results

Electronic database searches of PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane advanced search, and EMBASE were performed. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine the association between CT-ECV and prognosis in patients with severe AS who underwent AVR. The diagnostic performance of CT-ECV for predicting composite adverse events (all-cause death and hospitalization for HF) was assessed using a pooled odds ratio (OR). Data from 902 patients with severe AS were extracted from six studies, including 881 TAVR and 21 SAVR cases. The pooled OR of abnormal CT-ECV for predicting adverse events was 4.53 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.13-6.57 (I 2 = 10%, P for heterogeneity = 0.50)]. We performed an OR meta-analysis on five studies with only TAVR cases (n = 807). The pooled OR of abnormal CT-ECV for predicting adverse events in TAVR patients was 4.85 [95% CI: 3.26-7.21 (I² = 0%, P < 0.001)].

Conclusion

Considering the high prognostic ability and versatility of CT-ECV, it may be used to predict postoperative adverse events in patients with severe AS who underwent AVR.

Multi-modality artificial intelligence-based transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy detection in patients with severe aortic stenosis

PURPOSE

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a frequent concomitant condition in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), yet it often remains undetected. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate artificial intelligence-based models developed based on preprocedural and routinely collected data to detect ATTR-CM in patients with severe AS planned for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

In this prospective, single-center study, consecutive patients with AS were screened with [99mTc]-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid ([99mTc]-DPD) for the presence of ATTR-CM. Clinical, laboratory, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, invasive measurements, 4-dimensional cardiac CT (4D-CCT) strain data, and CT-radiomic features were used for machine learning modeling of ATTR-CM detection and for outcome prediction. Feature selection and classifier algorithms were applied in single- and multi-modality classification scenarios. We split the dataset into training (70%) and testing (30%) samples. Performance was assessed using various metrics across 100 random seeds.

RESULTS

Out of 263 patients with severe AS (57% males, age 83 ± 4.6years) enrolled, ATTR-CM was confirmed in 27 (10.3%). The lowest performances for detection of concomitant ATTR-CM were observed in invasive measurements and ECG data with area under the curve (AUC) < 0.68. Individual clinical, laboratory, interventional imaging, and CT-radiomics-based features showed moderate performances (AUC 0.70-0.76, sensitivity 0.79-0.82, specificity 0.63-0.72), echocardiography demonstrated good performance (AUC 0.79, sensitivity 0.80, specificity 0.78), and 4D-CT-strain showed the highest performance (AUC 0.85, sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.74). The multi-modality model (AUC 0.84, sensitivity 0.87, specificity 0.76) did not outperform the model performance based on 4D-CT-strain only data (p-value > 0.05). The multi-modality model adequately discriminated low and high-risk individuals for all-cause mortality at a mean follow-up of 13 months.

CONCLUSION

Artificial intelligence-based models using collected pre-TAVI evaluation data can effectively detect ATTR-CM in patients with severe AS, offering an alternative diagnostic strategy to scintigraphy and myocardial biopsy.

Left bundle branch area pacing in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis: a case series

Background

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis is associated with various arrhythmias, including atrioventricular block. Despite this correlation, established treatments for transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis-associated arrhythmias are lacking. Left bundle branch area pacing is a promising physiological pacing technique.

Case summary

This case series describes three instances of successful left bundle branch area pacing in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis presenting with atrioventricular block. Despite significant ventricular septal hypertrophy across all cases, left bundle branch area pacing was implemented effectively without complications.

Discussion

Traditional pacing strategies in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, such as right ventricular pacing, have been associated with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and worsening heart failure. Although biventricular pacing has been explored, the supporting evidence remains limited and inconclusive. Recent studies have suggested that left bundle branch area pacing poses a lower risk of inducing heart failure than biventricular pacing. Our findings support the safety and efficacy of the left bundle branch area pacing in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis-related atrioventricular blocks and underscore its viability as a pacing strategy.

Clinical and biochemical characterization of asymptomatic carriers and symptomatic patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis caused by TTR V30L mutation

BACKGROUND

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by amyloid fibril deposition. The TTR c.148G > T mutation (V30L) in ATTR is rarely reported, and its biochemical properties are unknown.

METHODS

Seven patients and two asymptomatic carriers from two unrelated families diagnosed with V30L variant of ATTR were included. Data on clinical manifestations, laboratory examination, electrophysiology, ophthalmological corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), pathology and molecular biological experiments was collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Most patients initially experienced paresthesia, with varying degrees of peripheral neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction, and cardiac involvement. Nerve conduction studies showed extensive motor and sensory nerve involvement in upper and lower limbs. CCM revealed reduced corneal nerve density and fiber length. Sural nerve biopsies indicated loss of myelinated nerve fibers, with neurogenic patterns in gastrocnemius muscle biopsies. Asymptomatic carriers had nearly normal electrophysiology but mild reductions in corneal nerve fiber density and length. Sural nerve biopsies in carriers showed mild reductions in small myelinated nerve fibers. V30L mutation impaired thermodynamic and kinetic stability of the mutant protein. Plasma TTR tetramer concentration was lower in ATTR V30L patients compared to healthy donors. Small molecule stabilizers failed to exhibit satisfactory inhibition on fibril formation of V30L mutation in vitro.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the multisystem involvement in ATTR V30L patients, including neuropathy and cardiac issues. Both patients and carriers showed abnormalities in nerve conduction, corneal microscopy, and pathology. The V30L mutation impaired protein stability and reduced plasma TTR tetramer levels. Small molecule stabilizers were ineffective, indicating a need for alternative treatments.

Diagnostic Accuracy and Prognostic Value of Relative Apical Sparing in Cardiac Amyloidosis - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Although the relative apical sparing (RAPS) pattern of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain is a hallmark of cardiac amyloidosis, recent studies have raised concerns about its accuracy. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) and prognostic impact of RAPS in cardiac amyloidosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for manuscripts that could potentially be used in the DTA arm and prognosis arm. Thirty-seven studies were used for DTA analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio were 61% (95% confidence interval [CI] 54-68%), 83% (95% CI 80-86%), and 8.9 (95% CI 6.1-13.1), respectively. These values did not differ regardless of the presence of aortic stenosis, but the diagnostic odds ratio differed significantly among analytical software packages. For the prognosis arm, 6 studies were dichotomously assessed for RAPS, and 5 were assessed quantitatively. The pooled proportion of RAPS was 49% and the pooled estimate of the RAPS ratio was 1.40. Although RAPS was associated with outcome (hazard ratio [HR] 1.87; 95% CI 1.15-3.04; P=0.011), its significance disappeared after trim and fill analysis (HR 1.42; 95% CI 0.85-2.38; P=0.184).

CONCLUSIONS

RAPS has a modest DTA with a significant vendor dependency and does not provide robust prognostic information.

Strain echocardiography predictors in patients with concomitant cardiac amyloidosis and aortic stenosis: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Concomitant cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and aortic stenosis (AS) may be mistaken for isolated AS, potentially impacting the treatment strategy and patient's prognosis. Therefore, it is crucial to distinguish between these conditions, as failure to promptly diagnose CA may lead to considerable complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic value of strain predictors in patients with concomitant CA and AS compared to isolated AS.

METHODS

Forty-two patients with severe AS suspected of concomitant CA based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation were selected to undergo 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy. Those showing Perugini grade 2 or 3 tracer uptakes without evidence of monoclonal gammopathy were diagnosed with CA and underwent speckle-tracking echocardiography. Furthermore, strain analysis was performed to evaluate myocardial deformation, with a focus on detecting apical sparing and reduction in bull's eye mapping, resulting in the characteristic "cherry on top" sign.

RESULTS

Eight patients were diagnosed with CA, representing 19.0% of those suspected of concomitant CA and 7.8% of the overall cohort with severe AS. AF arrhythmia was significantly more frequent in these patients compared to those with isolated AS. Echocardiography findings revealed that E/E' ratio and RALS were significantly higher in patients with concomitant CA, while GLS and mean basal LS were significantly lower in this group. The "cherry on top" sign was detected in 19 patients (45.2%), present in 100% of those with concomitant CA and AS, versus 32.4% in isolated AS cases (P = 0.04). This sign demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 67.6% for predicting concomitant CA and AS.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the "cherry on top" sign was significantly more prevalent in patients with concomitant CA and AS, compared to those with isolated AS, demonstrating a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 67.6% for predicting concomitant CA. Moreover, RALS and E/E' ratios were significantly higher in patients with concomitant CA, whereas GLS and mean basal LS were significantly lower in this group.

Prevalence of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis in patients with aortic stenosis

BACKGROUND

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRCA) is a prevalent disease, and it can be associated with heart failure (HF), left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH), atrial fibrillation (AF), and aortic stenosis (AS).

AIM

The study aims to detect the prevalence of ATTRCA in the symptomatic AS population.

METHOD

A single-center prospective study screening for ATTRCA in patients diagnosed with symptomatic severe AS undergoing aortic valve (AV) intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 27 patients were enrolled, of which 15 (56%) were men. The mean age was 72.8 ± 10.5 years. HF symptoms were present in 11 (40.7%) patients at New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II, while 15 (55.6%) patients had NYHA class III symptoms. AF was present in 6 (22.2%) patients. The mean left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was 49.4 ± 9.75%, and the mean stroke volume (SV) was 37.4 ± 8.7 ml/m2. The interventricular septal thickness (IVS) was 1.2 ± 0.18 cm. The AS mean gradient was 46 ± 12 mmHg, and the aortic valve area (AVA) was 0.69 ± 0.16 cm2. The ATTRCA was diagnosed by bone scintigraphy in 5 (18.5%) AS patients. Perugini scores of 2 and 3 were considered positive for ATTRCA with the heart/contralateral lung (H/CL) ratio of 1.48 ± 0.35. There was no difference in LVEF between patients with ATTRCA and those without ATTRCA 50 ± 9.8% vs 47 ± 9.3%; p-value 0.55. The ATTRCA had a lower SV of 33.9 ± 6.9 ml/m2 compared to patients without ATTRCA 37.5 ± 8.8 ml/m2; p-value of 0.34. There was no significant difference in LVH or IVS thickness between the patients with ATTRCA and those without ATTRCA. The left ventricle (LV) mass index in ATTRCA was 87 ± 21 g/m2 compared to patients without ATTRCA 98.7 ± 26 g/m2, with a p-value 0.38, and the IVS thickness was 1.1 ± 0.22 cm compared to patients without ATTRCA 1.2 ± 0.18 cm; p-value 0.17. The left atrial (LA) volumes were significantly higher in the ATTRCA group 55.5 ± 25.6 ml/m2 compared to patients without ATTRCA 37.5 ± 10.9 ml/m2 with a significant p-value 0.028. The mean AV gradient was lower in ATTRCA patients at 40.8 ± 8.4 mmHg, compared to patients without ATTRCA at 46.1 ± 12.1 mmHg; it did not reach a statistical significance p-value 0.3. There was a significant difference in LV relative longitudinal strain (LS) between patients with ATTRCA 11.8 ± 3.2 and those without ATTRCA 63.3 ± 22.6 with a significant p-value 0.001.

CONCLUSION

ATTRCA is prevalent in AS patients; bone scintigraphy is recommended for screening AS patients for ATTRCA.

Aortic Stenosis, Heart Failure, and Aortic Valve Replacement

Importance

Heart failure (HF) and aortic stenosis (AS) frequently coexist, presenting a complex clinical challenge due to their intertwined pathophysiology and associated high morbidity and mortality. Despite numerous advancements in transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR), HF decompensation remains the leading cause of cardiac rehospitalization and a major predictor of mortality in patients with AS, before or after AVR. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between AS and HF, delving into myocardial changes caused by stenotic insult, the impact of AVR on these changes, and the prevalence and contributing elements of HF before and after AVR.

Observations

The prevalence of HF remains high before and after AVR, particularly among patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Increased afterload from AS causes cardiac remodeling, which is initially benign but over time these changes become maladaptive, contributing to HF and increased mortality. The progression of HF is influenced by the degree of reverse cardiac remodeling, which can be affected by comorbid conditions, the hemodynamic performance of the valve prosthesis, and vascular stiffness. Several blood and imaging biomarkers offer insights into underlying AS pathophysiology, serving as mortality predictors and predicting HF in this patient population.

Conclusions and Relevance

HF development in AS is multifactorial and its link to left ventricular dysfunction is a complex process. Delineating the determinants of HF admissions in AS is crucial for identifying individuals at high risk. Identifying the early signs of left ventricular decompensation by using surrogate markers may be the key, even before left ventricular function becomes impaired. Translating multimodality imaging techniques and biomarkers into routine clinical practice for evaluating cardiac damage and integrating these markers with patient and procedural factors that affect HF before and after AVR can facilitate timely intervention, minimizing the likelihood of HF progression and influencing future guidelines.

Phenotype and prognostic factors in geriatric and non-geriatric patients with transthyretin cardiomyopathy

AIMS

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) may be an underestimated cause of heart failure among geriatric patients and represent a unique phenotype and prognostic profile.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective, observational, cohort study characterizes cardiac and extracardiac disorders at diagnosis and assesses prognosis among ATTR-CM patients based on age (geriatric vs. non-geriatric) and amyloidosis subtype (wild type, ATTRwt and hereditary, ATTRv). In total, 943 patients with ATTR-CM were included, of which 306 had ATTRv and 637 had ATTRwt. Among these, 331 (35.1%) were non-geriatric (<75 years), and 612 (64.9%) were geriatric (≥75 years). The population exhibited conduction abnormalities, atrial fibrillation and ischaemic heart disease that progressively deteriorated with age. Among ATTRwt patients, peripheral neuropathy, neurovegetative symptoms, and hearing loss were present across all age groups, but reports of carpal tunnel symptoms or surgery decreased with age. Conversely, among ATTRv patients, reports of extracardiac symptoms increased with age and Val122ILe mutation was highly prevalent among geriatric patients. The 3-year survival was higher among non-geriatric ATTR-CM patients (76%) than geriatric patients (55%) and predictors of 3-year mortality differed. Notably, predictors identified among geriatric patients were alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (HR = 1.004, 95% CI: [0.001-1.100)], troponin T hs (HR = 1.005, 95% CI: [1.001-1.120)] and tricuspid insufficiency (HR = 1.194, 95% CI: [1.02-1.230)]. Whereas, among non-geriatric patients, NT-proBNP (HR = 1.002, 95% CI: [1.02-1.04], global longitudinal strain (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: [0.922-0.989], and glomerular filtration rate (HR = 0.984, 95% CI: [0.968-1.00) were identified. We propose a 3-stage prognostic staging system combining troponin T hs (≥44 ng/L) and ALP levels (≥119 UI/L). In the geriatric population, this model discriminated survival more precisely than the National Amyloidosis Centre staging, particularly for classifying between stage 1 (82%), stage 2 (50%) and stage 3 (32%) for ATTRv and ATTRwt.

CONCLUSIONS

These diagnostic and prognostic indicators, along with ATTR subtype, highlight the distinct characteristics of this important, geriatric ATTR-CM patient group. Recognizing these mortality markers can be valuable for geriatricians to improve the prognostic quality management of geriatric patients with ATTR-CM.

Impact of prior hospitalization for heart failure on clinical outcomes of patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with new-generation devices: Insights from the LAPLACE-TAVI registry

BACKGROUND

A history of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) before transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or surgical aortic valve replacement is associated with the prognosis of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). However, the impact of prior HHF on clinical outcomes after contemporary TAVI using new-generation transcatheter heart valves (THVs) has not been thoroughly investigated.

METHODS

Using data from the aLliAnce for exPloring cLinical prospects of AortiC valvE disease (LAPLACE)-TAVI registry, we investigated 2,752 patients who underwent TAVI with new-generation THVs with a median follow-up of 627 days. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and heart failure readmission after TAVI.

RESULTS

Patients with a history of HHF (n = 809) showed a higher 30-day mortality than patients without prior HHF (n = 1,943). A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the prior HHF group showed a higher incidence of the primary outcome than the non-prior HHF group (27.4% vs. 16.4%, log-rank p = 0.001). In a Cox regression analysis, prior HHF was significantly associated with the risk of the primary outcome, even after adjusting for covariates (hazard ratio, 1.344; 95% confidence interval, 1.103-1.638; p = 0.003). A subanalysis showed that the prior HHF group with ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 50% had a higher risk of the primary outcome than the non-prior HHF group, whereas the prior HHF group with EF < 50% had the worst outcome.

CONCLUSION

A history of prior HHF is associated with worse outcomes in patients with severe AS, both in those with preserved EF and those with reduced EF, even after TAVI using new-generation devices.

Circulating ECM proteins decorin and alpha-L-iduronidase differentiate ATTRwt-CM from ATTRwt-negative HFpEF/HFmrEF

AIMS

Wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt-CM) is an under-recognized aetiology of heart failure (HF), necessitating early detection for timely treatment. Our study aimed to differentiate patients with ATTRwt-CM from ATTRwt-negative HFpEF/HFmrEF patients by identifying and validating circulating protein biomarkers. In addition, we measured the same biomarkers in patients with cardiomyopathy due to light chain amyloidosis (AL)-CM to gain disease-specific insights.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this observational study, serum concentrations of 363 protein biomarkers were measured in a discovery cohort consisting of 73 ATTRwt-CM, 55 AL-CM, and 59 ATTRwt-negative HFpEF/HFmrEF patients, using multiplex proximity extension assays. Sparse partial least squares analyses showed overlapping ATTRwt-CM and AL-CM biomarker profiles with clear visual differentiation from ATTRwt-negative patients. Pathway analyses with g:Profiler revealed significantly up-regulated proteoglycans (PG) and cell adhesion pathways in both ATTRwt-CM and AL-CM. Penalized regression analysis revealed that the proteoglycan decorin (DCN), lysosomal hydrolase alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA) and glycosyl hydrolase galactosidase β-1 (GLB-1) most effectively distinguished ATTRwt-CM from ATTRwt-negative patients (R2 = 0.71). In a prospective validation cohort of 35 ATTRwt-CM patients and 25 ATTRwt-negative patients, DCN and IDUA significantly predicted ATTRwt-CM in the initial analysis (DCN: OR 3.3, IDUA: OR 0.4). While DCN remained significant after correcting for echocardiographic parameters, IDUA did not. DCN showed moderate discriminative ability (AUC, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.61-0.87; sensitivity, 0.91; specificity, 0.52) as did IDUA (AUC, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65-0.91; sensitivity, 0.91; specificity, 0.61). A model combining clinical factors (AUC 0.92) outperformed DCN but not IDUA, a combination of the biomarkers was not significantly better. Neither DCN nor IDUA correlated with established disease markers.

CONCLUSION

ATTRwt-CM has a distinctly different biomarker profile compared with HFpEF/HFmrEF, while ATTRwt-CM patients share a similar biomarker profile with AL-CM patients characterized by up-regulation of proteoglycans and cell-adhesion pathways. The biomarkers DCN and IDUA show the potential to serve as an initial screening tool for ATTTRwt-CM. Further research is needed to determine the clinical usefulness of these and other extracellular matrix components in identifying ATTRwt-CM.

Medical Therapy to Prevent or Slow Progression of Aortic Stenosis: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Degenerative aortic stenosis is a growing clinical problem owing to the high incidence in an aging population and its significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, aortic valve replacement remains the only treatment. Despite promising observational data, pharmacological management to slow or halt progression of aortic stenosis has remained elusive. Nevertheless, with a greater understanding of the mechanisms which underpin aortic stenosis, research has begun to explore novel treatment strategies. This review will explore the historical agents used to manage aortic stenosis and the emerging agents that are currently under investigation.

Descriptive study of the clinical and myocardial status of a population with anatomopathological aortic valve amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Aortic stenosis (AS) and transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis (CA) share the same clinical profiles and cardiac phenotype. Amyloid deposits have been frequently reported in aortic valves of patients with severe AS referred for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and myocardial status of patients with aortic valve amyloidosis after aortic valve surgery.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a retrospective descriptive study of 46 patients who underwent SAVR for severe AS with amyloid deposits upon histological analysis. All patients were screened for cardiac involvement. Amyloid deposits typing was successful in 35 (76%) patients and 28 (80%) were ATTR. Two (4%) had positive bone scintigraphy and among the 5 myocardial biopsies performed during surgery, 80% were positive for ATTR deposits.

CONCLUSION

ATTR is the predominant type in the presence of amyloid deposits on the aortic valve after surgery for severe AS but is only rarely accompanied by cardiac uptake on bone scintigraphy. Early stages of myocardial involvement are frequent and myocardial biopsy is more sensitive for detection of mild amyloid deposits than bone scintigraphy.