Expert Consensus Recommendations for the Suspicion and Diagnosis of Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis

Efficacy and safety of RNA interference therapeutics in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

RNAi therapeutics represent a promising advancement in the treatment of ATTR-CM, offering significant benefits over placebo. It demonstrated substantial improvements in survival, functional capacity, and quality of life, alongside a marked reduction in BNP levels and GLS-critical biomarkers of disease progression. These findings underscore the potential of RNAi therapy to alter the disease trajectory and improve patient outcomes.

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.

Changing Treatment Landscape in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis

The demographics of patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy have evolved over the past decade, mostly driven by improved awareness of the disease among clinicians, noninvasive imaging tools for diagnosis, and new, effective treatments. Patients are now diagnosed earlier in their disease course, and treatment is initiated in those with milder disease, leading to improved outcomes. Earlier treatment of patients with milder disease may lead to accelerated disease stabilization and greater preservation of function. In addition, identification of patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy at an earlier disease stage translates to healthier study populations at enrollment in clinical trials, with slower disease progression compared with patients in prior trials. In this context, effect sizes between active treatment and placebo arms will likely be smaller than those seen in historic trials, although it is still possible to observe clinically relevant differences. In this review, we discuss how patient characteristics have changed from the ATTR-ACT trial to the more recent APOLLO-B, ATTRibute-CM, and HELIOS-B studies. In addition, we consider how measures of the minimal clinically important difference for particular end points can assist in clinical decision-making and targeting treatment goals. Treatment goals are evolving over time with the need for evidence-based recommendations in this clinical space. Lastly, we address unmet needs and future expectations for the management of transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy.

Patient Journey to Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis Diagnosis - A Japanese Claims Database Study

BACKGROUND

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is an under-recognized cause of heart failure (HF) in older adults. Delayed ATTR-CM diagnosis may result in more advanced symptoms. This study describes the journey of Japanese patients with ATTR-CM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective non-interventional study used the DeSC Healthcare database. Patients aged ≥18 years at the index date (date when ATTR-CM was first diagnosed or date of first tafamidis 80 mg prescription, whichever was earlier) and who had received ≥1 tafamidis 80 mg prescription or ≥1 specific ATTR-CM diagnosis, excepting "suspected diagnosis", at any time between April 1, 2014 and August 31, 2021 were included. The median age of patients was 79.0 years, and 79.9% (n=239) were male. The most frequently observed comorbidities defined as indicating the onset of ATTR-CM were HF (87.9%), atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (50.2%), and conduction disorders (17.2%), with a median time from onset to index date of 15.5, 14.0, and 9.0 months for each comorbidity, respectively. Lumbar spinal stenosis (23.9%), neuropathy (13.0%), and carpal tunnel syndrome (7.5%) were common extracardiac symptoms, with a median time from the appearance of these symptoms to index date of 19.0, 5.0, and 18.0 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a delay between the appearance of cardiac and extracardiac comorbidities of ATTR-CM and its diagnosis in real-world Japanese clinical settings, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis of ATTR-CM.

Impact of Heart Failure Severity on Vutrisiran Efficacy in Transthyretin Amyloidosis With Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Vutrisiran reduced the risk of all-cause mortality (ACM) and recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in HELIOS-B (A Study to Evaluate Vutrisiran in Patients With Transthyretin Amyloidosis With Cardiomyopathy; NCT04153149).

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to assess the effect of vutrisiran in HELIOS-B patients with different heart failure severities.

METHODS

HELIOS-B randomized patients with ATTR-CM with NYHA functional class I-III (functional class IV or functional class III with National Amyloidosis Centre [NAC] stage 3 were excluded) 1:1 to vutrisiran 25 mg or placebo every 3 months for up to 36 months. This exploratory subgroup analysis assessed the primary composite endpoint of ACM and recurrent CV events, ACM, and additional functional and biomarker endpoints.

RESULTS

Of 654 patients, 84 (13%), 508 (78%), and 62 (9%) were in NYHA functional class I, II, and III, respectively. Median baseline N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level was 1,920 ng/L. Lower risk of ACM and recurrent CV events was observed with vutrisiran vs placebo across baseline severity subgroups: respective HRs were 0.54 (95% CI: 0.27-1.10), 0.77 (95% CI: 0.57-1.03), and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.33-1.41) in NYHA functional classes I, II, and III, respectively; 0.52 (95% CI: 0.30-0.88), 0.61 (95% CI: 0.37-1.00), and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.64-1.35) in NT-proBNP tertiles <1,368 ng/L, ≥1,368 and <2,691 ng/L, and ≥2,691 ng/L; 0.49 (95% CI: 0.34-0.72) and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.74-1.56) in NAC stages 1 and 2/3, respectively; and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.45-1.07) and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.53-1.02) in Columbia early and intermediate/late stages, respectively. Similar effects were observed in the monotherapy population (patients not on tafamidis at baseline) and across the additional endpoints evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Vutrisiran demonstrated evidence of benefit across the range of baseline disease severities in HELIOS-B, with the greatest benefit in earlier, less severe disease. (A Study to Evaluate Vutrisiran in Patients With Transthyretin Amyloidosis With Cardiomyopathy [HELIOS-B]; NCT04153149).

Approach to kidney transplant candidates with hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis and TTR variants: case reports and mini-review

Evaluating kidney transplant candidates with transthyretin (TTR) variants requires a multidisciplinary approach, considering clinical, genetic, and psychosocial factors. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, an autosomal dominant disorder, can affect cardiovascular and renal allograft health, complicating transplant candidacy. We present 2 cases of Black women with end-stage kidney disease of unknown etiology, identified with the pathogenic Val142Ile TTR variant during transplant evaluation. Cardiac assessments, including technetium-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy and biopsy, ruled out cardiac amyloidosis, enabling transplant eligibility. This highlights the growing role of genetic testing in kidney transplant clinics and the need for collaboration among nephrologists, cardiologists, and genetic counselors for optimal patient management.

Thoracic Fat Pad Biopsy in Cardiac Amyloidosis: Diagnostic Yield in an Afro-Caribbean Population

Background/Objectives: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is associated with amyloid infiltration of the extra-cardiac tissue, which may occur in the early stages of the disease. This study evaluates the diagnostic utility of thoracic fat pad biopsy obtained during a pacemaker or ICD implantation as an alternative to the standard diagnostic criteria for systemic amyloidosis. Methods: This exploratory, retrospective study included 27 patients with suspected or diagnosed CA who underwent pacemaker or defibrillator therapy. Results: Of these, 16 patients were confirmed to have CA (15 with technetium-labeled bisphosphonate bone scintigraphy and 1 with protein electrophoresis and echocardiographic findings) while 11 were confirmed to be CA-negative. The thoracic fat pad biopsy demonstrated a specificity of 100% but a sensitivity of only 31%. Among patients with transthyretin (ATTR)-CA, the sensitivity remained similarly low, at 27%. These results are consistent with prior findings on abdominal fat pad biopsy in ATTR-CA, highlighting the limited diagnostic yield of this method. Conclusions: Thoracic fat pad biopsy cannot be recommended as a standard diagnostic tool for CA, particularly in ATTR-CA, due to its poor sensitivity. However, in AL (amyloid light-chain) amyloidosis, this minimally invasive procedure may aid diagnosis without additional invasive interventions.

More players in the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis? The HELIOS-B study

Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is a progressive and fatal disease caused by the deposition of TTR amyloid fibrils in multiple organs and tissues. The HELIOS-B trial (a phase three, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study) tested the safety and efficacy of vutrisiran, a subcutaneous gene silencer, in patients with wild-type or inherited TTR cardiomyopathy. The two primary endpoints were a composite of all-cause mortality and recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events (CV hospitalizations and urgent heart failure visits) assessed in the overall population and the monotherapy group. Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality up to 42 months and 30-month change in functional capacity, health status, and quality of life. A total of 655 patients were enrolled in the study (vutrisiran, n = 326; placebo, n = 329). The mean age was 77 years, and 40% received tafamidis at baseline. Treatment with vutrisiran resulted in a reduction in all-cause and CV mortality events, as well as preservation of functional capacity, quality of life, and health status in patients with TTR cardiomyopathy.

Evolving knowledge of red flag clinical features associated with TTR p.(Val142Ile) in a diverse electronic health-record-linked biobank

PURPOSE

Previous studies have established red flags that raise clinical suspicion for the hereditary form of transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv). However, these have not been specifically evaluated for the most common associated variant, TTR p.(Val142Ile).

METHODS

Using an ancestrally diverse electronic health-record-linked biobank with exome sequence data from 27,630 unrelated adults, we evaluated 9 ATTRv-related clinical features among TTR p.(Val142Ile)-positive and -negative individuals.

RESULTS

Among 337 variant-positive individuals (median age 63, 60% female), 10 (3.0%) were diagnosed with amyloidosis. TTR p.(Val142Ile) was associated with increased odds of cardiomyopathy/heart failure (CM/HF), atrial fibrillation, polyneuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and proteinuria, but only in individuals ≥60 years. These features were evident 1.7 to 7.7 years earlier in variant-positive vs -negative individuals (hazard ratio [HR] 1.37, P = 3.99 × 10-2; HR 1.78, P = 2.52 × 10-3; HR 1.78, P = 1.70 × 10-3; HR 1.81, P = 5.14 × 10-3; HR 1.60, P = 1.94 × 10-2, respectively). By age 50, the cumulative incidence of CM/HF was 3.5-fold higher, and by age 60, the incidences of CM/HF, polyneuropathy, and proteinuria were 2-fold higher in variant-positive individuals.

CONCLUSION

This study clarifies red flags that are associated with TTR p.(Val142Ile) in an age-dependent manner. With modifying therapies being available, early diagnosis of ATTRv in variant-positive individuals through the recognition of key clinical features is paramount.

Survival in a Real-World Cohort of Patients With Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Treated With Tafamidis: An Analysis From the Transthyretin Amyloidosis Outcomes Survey (THAOS)

BACKGROUND

In the pivotal Tafamidis in Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial (ATTR-ACT), tafamidis significantly reduced mortality rates, leading to its approval in many countries for the treatment of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Real-world evidence on survival in patients with ATTR-CM following tafamidis treatment has not been extensively reported.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Transthyretin Amyloidosis Outcomes Survey (THAOS) was a longitudinal, observational, phase 4 study of patients with transthyretin amyloidosis and asymptomatic participants carrying pathogenic transthyretin variants. Patients from THAOS with a predominantly cardiac phenotype at enrollment were included, and survival was analyzed according to tafamidis treatment status (treated or untreated). Results are based on the completed THAOS dataset. In tafamidis-treated (n = 587) and tafamidis-untreated (n = 854) patients, respectively, median age at enrollment was 77.7 and 76.4 years, 91.8% and 90.0% were male, and 91.8% and 83.8% had wild-type disease. Survival rates (95% CI) at 30 and 42 months, respectively, were 84.4% (80.5-87.7) and 76.8% (70.9-81.7) in tafamidis-treated patients, and 70.0% (66.4-73.2) and 59.3% (55.2-63.0) in tafamidis-untreated patients. Survival rates in genotype subgroups (wild-type and variant) were similar to those of the overall cohort. Survival rates were better in a contemporary cohort, as reflected by a sensitivity analysis performed in patients enrolled after vs before 2019. No new safety signals were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

In this real-world cohort of patients with ATTR-CM, survival rates were higher than in ATTR-ACT and consistent with more recent reports, suggesting early diagnosis and treatment with tafamidis has improved life expectancy in ATTR-CM. These results provide further evidence supporting tafamidis' safety and effectiveness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00628745.

Advances and challenges in echocardiographic diagnosis and management of cardiac amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis is an infiltrative cardiomyopathy characterized by the abnormal accumulation of amyloid proteins within the heart muscle. It is recognized as a rare yet significant cardiac disease that is often overlooked as a potential cause of heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias, particularly in older individuals with rates escalating from 8 to 17 cases per 100,000 individuals. Cardiac amyloidosis primarily manifests as two predominant subtypes: light-chain and transthyretin amyloidosis, collectively accounting for over 95% of clinical cases. Early diagnosis of these conditions is often hindered by overlapping symptoms with other cardiac pathologies, resulting in diagnostic delays and suboptimal patient outcomes. Echocardiography, a non-invasive imaging technique, has become indispensable for diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis, uncovering crucial echocardiographic signs such as thickening of the left ventricular wall, diastolic dysfunction, and a granular appearance of the myocardium. Recent advancements in echocardiography have significantly enhanced the diagnostic accuracy of cardiac amyloidosis and improved patient management. Advanced echocardiographic techniques, including strain imaging, 3D echocardiography, and contrast echocardiography, have significantly enhanced diagnostic accuracy and prognostication. Future directions in echocardiography encompass the integration of artificial intelligence, the development of novel contrast agents, and the refinement of 4D echocardiography to further optimize patient care. This study explores the pivotal role of echocardiography in both diagnosing and managing cardiac amyloidosis, delving into the disease's underlying mechanisms, distinctive imaging characteristics, the significance of regular echocardiographic assessments, and discusses the challenges associated with differentiating between various types of amyloidosis without supplemental imaging or biopsy methods.

Outpatient Worsening Heart Failure in Patients With Transthyretin Amyloidosis With Cardiomyopathy in the HELIOS-B Trial

BACKGROUND

Transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a fatal disease, caused by misfolded transthyretin depositing as amyloid fibrils in the heart. Because disease progression is common, practical and sensitive methods are needed to monitor patients and optimize treatment decisions. Outpatient worsening heart failure (HF) (oral loop diuretic intensification or initiation) is simple to assess and has been shown to be prognostic of mortality in patients with ATTR-CM.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the clinical and prognostic significance of and the effect of vutrisiran treatment on outpatient worsening HF in patients with ATTR-CM from HELIOS-B (A Study to Evaluate Vutrisiran in Patients With Transthyretin Amyloidosis With Cardiomyopathy).

METHODS

Associations between outpatient worsening HF and a composite of all-cause mortality and recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events (CV hospitalizations and urgent HF visits), all-cause mortality, and other disease progression-related endpoints were evaluated. The impact of vutrisiran over 36 months on outpatient worsening HF and an expanded composite of all-cause mortality, recurrent CV events, and outpatient worsening HF was also assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 321 patients (49.1%) had ≥1 outpatient worsening HF, 245 (37.5%) had ≥1 CV event(s), and 120 (18.3%) died; 237 patients (36.2%) had no events. Patients with outpatient worsening HF had an increased risk of all-cause mortality and CV events (HR: 2.58; 95% CI: 2.04-3.27) and all-cause mortality (HR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.70-3.52), as well as a greater deterioration in 6-minute walk test distance and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Overall Summary score, and a greater increase in N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide. In recurrent event analyses over the double-blind period, vutrisiran vs placebo reduced the rate of outpatient worsening HF (relative rate ratio: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.56-0.78). Vutrisiran also reduced the risk of the composite of all-cause mortality, CV events, and outpatient worsening HF vs placebo (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.57-0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatient worsening HF was frequent in patients with ATTR-CM in HELIOS-B, was associated with increased mortality, and reduced by vutrisiran. (HELIOS-B: A Study to Evaluate Vutrisiran in Patients With Transthyretin Amyloidosis With Cardiomyopathy; NCT04153149).

Development of Imaging Endpoints for Clinical Trials in AL and ATTR Amyloidosis: Proceedings of the Amyloidosis Forum

Light chain amyloidosis and transthyretin amyloidosis are rare protein misfolding disorders characterized by amyloid deposition in organs, varied clinical manifestations, and poor outcomes. Amyloid fibrils trigger various signaling pathways that initiate cellular, metabolic, structural, and functional changes in the heart and other organs. Imaging modalities have advanced to enable detection of amyloid deposits in involved organs and to assess organ dysfunction, disease stage, prognosis, and treatment response. The Amyloidosis Forum hosted a hybrid meeting to focus on the use of imaging endpoints in clinical trials for systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis and transthyretin amyloidosis. Stakeholders from academia and industry, together with representatives from multiple regulatory agencies reviewed the use of imaging biomarkers with a focus on cardiac amyloidosis, described applications and limitations of imaging in clinical trials, and discussed qualification of imaging as a surrogate clinical outcome. Survey results provided important patient perspectives. This review summarizes the proceedings of the Amyloidosis Forum.

The Heart of Transformation: Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Cardiovascular Disease

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in medicine and healthcare has been extensively explored across various areas. AI and ML can revolutionize cardiovascular disease management by significantly enhancing diagnostic accuracy, disease prediction, workflow optimization, and resource utilization. This review summarizes current advancements in AI and ML concerning cardiovascular disease, including their clinical investigation and use in primary cardiac imaging techniques, common cardiovascular disease categories, clinical research, patient care, and outcome prediction. We analyze and discuss commonly used AI and ML models, algorithms, and methodologies, highlighting their roles in improving clinical outcomes while addressing current limitations and future clinical applications. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the transformative potential of AI and ML in cardiovascular practice by improving clinical decision making, reducing human error, enhancing patient monitoring and support, and creating more efficient healthcare workflows for complex cardiovascular conditions.

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.

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.

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.

An Unexpected Benefit of Adding the Patient Voice to Medical Education-Train Providers to Be Better

BACKGROUND

Amyloidosis is a complex multisystemic disease. Lack of knowledge about amyloidosis and subsequent misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis are major obstacles to treatment that result in life-threatening organ damage, heart failure, morbidity, and mortality. At present, medical didactic education about amyloidosis leaves new physicians woefully unprepared to suspect and diagnose it. A study published in 2023 confirmed a positive impact on medical students following a patient presentation. Continued analysis of the study data revealed an unexpected benefit of adding the patient voice to medical education. The purpose of this paper is to describe this unexpected and potentially powerful benefit.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau (ASB), founded in 2019, arranges for ASB patient educators to speak about their diagnostic and treatment experiences with medical students. In 2023, we published a study to understand the impact from the addition of the patient voice to didactic medical education. The study concluded that listening to an ASB patient educator's narrative was associated with positive attitudes toward communication with patients, interest in acquiring and applying knowledge of amyloidosis, and humility about diagnosis. Post-publishing, continued analysis of the presentation feedback made it clear that another benefit was occurring. During the ASB presentations, questions were repeatedly raised about what guidance the patients might offer to help these budding doctors become better providers and how they could improve their relationships with patients. Their inquiries had nothing to do with amyloidosis and were relevant to every interaction and all diseases. These future providers wanted to be better and wanted the patient's perspective to help get there. Assessing their questions revealed an unexpected benefit from the patient presentations.

CONCLUSION

ASB patient educators contributed to humanizing medical education. From this, the students gained insights to help them become better providers.

Vutrisiran in Patients with Transthyretin Amyloidosis with Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive, fatal disease. Vutrisiran, a subcutaneously administered RNA interference therapeutic agent, inhibits the production of hepatic transthyretin.

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with ATTR-CM in a 1:1 ratio to receive vutrisiran (25 mg) or placebo every 12 weeks for up to 36 months. The primary end point was a composite of death from any cause and recurrent cardiovascular events. Secondary end points included death from any cause, the change from baseline in the distance covered on the 6-minute walk test, and the change from baseline in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Overall Summary (KCCQ-OS) score. The efficacy end points were assessed in the overall population and in the monotherapy population (the patients who were not receiving tafamidis at baseline) and were tested hierarchically.

RESULTS

A total of 655 patients underwent randomization; 326 were assigned to receive vutrisiran and 329 to receive placebo. Vutrisiran treatment led to a lower risk of death from any cause and recurrent cardiovascular events than placebo (hazard ratio in the overall population, 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56 to 0.93; P = 0.01; hazard ratio in the monotherapy population, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.93; P = 0.02) and a lower risk of death from any cause through 42 months (hazard ratio in the overall population, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.90; P = 0.01). Among the patients in the overall population, 125 in the vutrisiran group and 159 in the placebo group had at least one primary end-point event. In the overall population, treatment with vutrisiran resulted in less of a decline in the distance covered on the 6-minute walk test than placebo (least-squares mean difference, 26.5 m; 95% CI, 13.4 to 39.6; P<0.001) and less of a decline in the KCCQ-OS score (least-squares mean difference, 5.8 points; 95% CI, 2.4 to 9.2; P<0.001). Similar benefits were observed in the monotherapy population. The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups (99% in the vutrisiran group and 98% in the placebo group); serious adverse events occurred in 62% of the patients in the vutrisiran group and in 67% of those in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with ATTR-CM, treatment with vutrisiran led to a lower risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular events than placebo and preserved functional capacity and quality of life. (Funded by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals; HELIOS-B ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04153149.).

Predictive Value of Right Ventricular Sensing During Cardiac Device Implantation to Diagnose Cardiac Amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an underdiagnosed disease, often presenting with electrical conduction abnormalities or ventricular arrhythmias, prompting implantation of cardiac implantable electrical devices (CIEDs).

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the performance of right ventricular sensing (RVSens) during implantation of CIEDs in patients presenting with increased left ventricular (LV) wall thicknesses (ILVWT) and preserved LV function to predict the diagnosis of CA.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with ILVWT (maximal LV wall thickness ≥12 mm), preserved LV function and no significant aortic stenosis who underwent implantation of CIEDs at 2 French referral centers for rare and inheritable cardiac diseases were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical history, imaging, biological data, histologic data, and pacing lead parameters at the time of implantation were collected. Diagnostic categorization of ILVWT (CA, sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or hypertensive heart disease) was determined according to guidelines.

RESULTS

We included 218 patients with ILVWT, of which 150 had CA and 68 had sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or hypertensive heart disease. Ten patients (4.6%) had their device implanted before ILVWT diagnosis, 131 (60.1%) had their device implanted during the same hospitalization, and 77 (35.3%) in a subsequent hospitalization. An RVSens ≤11 mV was independently associated with CA diagnosis with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 79.4% (AUC: 0.878).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ILVWT, a relatively low RVSens (≤11 mV) during device implantation was independently associated with CA diagnosis, prompting further evaluation to rule out CA if the diagnosis is uncertain.

Using electronic medical records to identify patients at risk for underlying cardiac amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Identification of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) patients is largely based on pattern recognition by providers, and this can be automated through electronic medical systems (EMR).

METHODS

All patients in a large academic hospital with age > 60, ICD-10 code for chronic diastolic heart failure and no previous diagnosis of any amyloidosis were included. An Epic EMR scoring logic assigned risk scores to patients for ICD-10 and CPT codes associated with ATTR-CA, as follows: carpal tunnel syndrome (score 5), aortic stenosis/TAVR (5), neuropathy (4), bundle branch block (4), etc. The individual patients' scores were added, and patients were arranged in descending order of total scores- ranging from 50 to 0. Data is reported as median (interquartile range) and analyzed with non-parametric tests.

RESULTS

Of the total 11,648 patients identified, 132 consecutive patients with highest risk scores (score ≥ 30) were enrolled as cases, while 132 patients with scores between 10 and 19 with available echocardiography data served as age-matched controls. Strain echocardiography is not routinely performed. Patients with high scores were more likely to have CA associated findings- African-American race, higher left ventricular (LV) mass index and left atrial volume and lower LV ejection fraction. High score patients had higher troponin and a trend towards high NT-proBNP.

CONCLUSION

The modern EMR can be used to flag patients with high risk for ATTR-CA (score ≥ 30 using the proposed logic) through best practice advisory. This could encourage screening during echocardiography using strain or during unsuspected clinic visits.

From Molecular to Radionuclide and Pharmacological Aspects in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a rare pathology characterized by protein deposits in various organs and tissues. Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) can be caused by various protein deposits, but transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) and immunoglobulin light chain (AL) are the most frequent pathologies. Protein misfolding can be induced by several factors such as oxidative stress, genetic mutations, aging, chronic inflammation, and neoplastic disorders. In ATTR cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), the amyloid fibrils can be found in the myocardium interstitial space and are associated with arrhythmias and heart failure. In pathological situations, the transthyretin (TTR) configuration is destroyed by proteolytic action, leading to monomers that further misfold and aggregate to form the amyloid fibrils. 99mTc-Pyrophosphate (99m-Tc-PYP), 99mTc 3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (99m-Tc-DPD) and 99m-Tc hydroxy-methylene-Dyphosphonate (99m-Tc-HMDP) are used to detect myocardium amyloid deposits due to their ability to detect calcium ions that are present in the amyloid fibrils through dystrophic calcification. ATTR-CM therapy acts on different stages of the amyloidogenic process, including liver TTR synthesis, TTR tetramer destabilization, and misfolding of the monomers. The main aim of this narrative review is to present ATTR-CM, starting with molecular changes regarding the protein misfolding process and radionuclide aspects and finishing with pharmacological approaches.

Prospective Multicenter Screening With High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T for Wild-Type Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis in Outpatient and Community-Based Settings

BACKGROUND

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) was proposed as a simple and useful diagnostic tool for cardiac amyloidosis (CA). We performed exploratory systemic screening using hs-cTnT to detect wild-type transthyretin CA (ATTRwt-CA) in outpatient and community-based settings.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study was a prospective multicenter study including 8 internal medicine clinics in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. Consecutive individuals aged ≥70 years who visited those clinics as outpatients were enrolled. Patients with a prior diagnosis of CA or a history of heart failure hospitalization were excluded. We measured hs-cTnT levels in the enrolled individuals at each clinic, and those with elevated hs-cTnT levels (≥0.03ng/mL) received further detailed examination, including remeasurement of hs-cTnT. The diagnosis of ATTRwt-CA was confirmed by biopsy-proven transthyretin. Of 1,141 individuals enrolled in the study, 55 (4.8%) had elevated hs-cTnT levels. Of the 33 patients who underwent further examination, 22 had elevated hs-cTnT levels at remeasurement. Finally, 2 men were diagnosed with ATTRwt-CA. The prevalence of ATTRwt-CA was 9.1% (2/22) among patients with elevated hs-cTnT levels at two examinations, and at least 0.18% (2/1,141) in the whole study population.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of hs-cTnT will help to screen for patients with undiagnosed ATTRwt-CA in primary care practice.

Management of Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis (ATTRv) Patients and Asymptomatic Carriers in Spain: The EMPATIa Study

Background: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is an autosomal-dominant systemic disease, where amyloid fibrils accumulate especially in the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems and in the heart. The aim of the present work was to outline the follow-up and type of management received by asymptomatic carriers (ACs) and Coutinho stage 1 ATTRv patients in Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional, non-interventional study was conducted throughout seven experienced hospitals in Spain. A total of 86 ACs without neurological symptoms and 19 Coutinho stage 1 ATTRv patients diagnosed 12 months before their enrollment were included. Clinical and demographic data, red flags, and neurological and cardiological evaluations were gathered. In addition, site variables were collected from four centers to describe the clinical management of ATTRv. Results: ATTRv clinical management varied depending on the center setting but was primarily overseen by neurology and internal medicine, which were responsible for the holistic follow-up of ACs and patients. Routinely, neurologists, neurophysiologists, cardiologists, and internal medicine conducted the follow-up. Specialties involved in initial AC assessment were neurophysiologists and cardiologists in 100% of cases, neurologists (75%), internists and geneticists (50%), and ophthalmologists (25%). A review of the medical tests performed proved an exhaustive management of the study population. Stable patients were followed up every 6 months, while those under evolution were monitored every 3-6 months. The frequency of monitoring of ACs was annual, and carriers classified with doubtful disease onset were visited every 3-6 months. Conclusions: The EMPATIa study provides valuable insights into the management of ATTRv in a real-world clinical setting in highly experienced hospitals in Spain. It demonstrates that multidisciplinary practice and enhanced disease awareness may lead to a reduction in diagnostic delay.

Transthyretin cardiac amyloid: Broad heart failure phenotypic spectrum and implications for diagnosis

AIMS

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is most often associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, patients may present with impaired systolic function at the time of diagnosis, which has not been widely investigated. We sought to explore the prevalence of various heart failure (HF) phenotypes and their associated clinical characteristics at the time of ATTR-CA diagnosis.

METHODS

We performed a single-centre retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with ATTR-CA evaluated between February 2016 and December 2022. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, imaging and laboratory findings were compared across HF phenotypes (age: 78.1 ± 8.6 years, with 91.1% male). A total of 21.6% (n = 46) presented with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), 17.8% (n = 38) with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and 60.6% (n = 129) with HFpEF at the time of diagnosis with ATTR-CA. Those presenting with HFrEF or HFmrEF were more likely to be African American and had significantly worse New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, higher N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and higher serum creatinine levels as compared with those with HFpEF.

CONCLUSIONS

Although ATTR-CA is traditionally thought to be seen primarily among patients with HFpEF, our data suggest that ATTR-CA has a higher prevalence among patients with HFrEF, which underscores the importance of heightened clinical suspicion regardless of ejection fraction when considering ATTR-CA. Furthermore, although comorbidities are similar, patients with HFmrEF and HFrEF had a worse symptom burden.

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.

Myocardial work assessment to improve baseline risk stratification in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis

Background

Cardiac transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is an often underdiagnosed and potentially fatal disorder associated with poor survival. The National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC) staging system, based on NT-proBNP level and eGFR value, discriminates patients according to survival rates. However, NAC stage II involves a heterogenous group of patients with variable prognosis. This retrospective single-center study was set up to explore the potential role of myocardial work (MW) analysis to enhance risk stratification of ATTR patients prior to therapy.

Methods and Results

37 patients diagnosed with ATTR between March 2021 and August 2023 were included. Baseline NT-proBNP and eGFR values were collected and LVEF, GLS and MW parameters were obtained from stored echocardiographic images. Patients were categorized per NAC stage (16 NAC I, 13 NAC II and 8 NAC III). Whereas the survival rate in NAC II and NAC III was significantly worse than in NAC I (p = 0.031 and p = 0.045 respectively), no significant difference was found between NAC II and III. In the ROC analysis, GCW proved to be the best survival predictor (AUC: 0.7) with optimal cut-off value 1294 mmHg%. Patients from NAC stage II were re-stratified according to GCW cut-off into HIGH RISK together with patients from NAC III or LOW RISK together with patients from NAC I. Patients in the HIGH RISK group exhibited a significantly worse prognosis with only 40 % survival at 2 years follow-up.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the advantages of incorporating MW analysis, particularly the use of a GCW cut-off, in the baseline risk stratification of ATTR patients.

Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography quantification of Tc-99m pyrophosphate uptake to assess tafamidis treatment response in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac imaging with bone-avid tracers for the diagnosis of transthyretin amyloid (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis uses only limited quantification, but single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) acquisition can provide volumetric assessment with quantification of tracer uptake. Tafamidis is routinely used in the treatment of cardiac amyloidosis, but there are scant data on changes in imaging results during therapy. The purpose of this study was to perform a longitudinal assessment of Tc-99m-pyrophosphate (PYP) imaging to determine if tafamidis therapy results in any change in quantitative measures of tracer uptake.

METHODS

The study incorporated a prospective, single-center study of ATTR patients being treated with tafamidis using Tc-99m-PYP SPECT/CT to quantify cardiac tracer uptake in the whole heart and left ventricle. Standardized uptake values (SUVs) were adjusted for blood pool activity. Comparison of baseline activity was made to values obtained approximately every 6 months during treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (77.0±7.5 years old, 86.4% male) were on tafamidis for 15.3±4.0 months, with an average time between baseline and final follow-up study of 16.8±4.7 months. Thirteen patients (59.1%) had multiple follow-up amyloid studies. Statistically significant reductions in total SUVs, SUV volume, and percentage of injected dose were seen. Adjusted for the maximal aortic SUV, the total SUV in the left ventricle decreased by 36.9%, the SUV volume by 38.7%, and the percentage of injected dose decreased by 34.9% (all P values≤0.0001). Over the study duration, there was a decrease of 7.7%/month in the measured metrics.

CONCLUSION

The quantitative SUV measurements from Tc-99m-PYP SPECT/CT revealed an overall decrease in scintographic amyloid burden during the course of tafamidis therapy, but additional work is needed to determine the optimal metrics and improve the reproducibility of the quantification.

Wild-Type Transthyretin Amyloidosis With 99mTc-PYP Uptake in the Extracardiac Soft Tissues But Not in the Myocardium

ABSTRACT

Wild-type transthyretin amyloid (ATTRwt) deposits in most organs, mainly the heart, ligaments, and tenosynovium. Orthopedic diseases due to ATTRwt deposits often precede overt ATTRwt cardiomyopathy. 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy is highly sensitive in detecting myocardial and extracardiac ATTRwt deposits. However, there are few reports of extracardiac ATTRwt deposits before myocardial deposits confirmed by imaging modalities. We report a case of atrial fibrillation-related heart failure in which 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy showed tracer uptake in extracardiac soft tissues but not in the myocardium, and a biopsy of soft tissues with tracer uptake confirmed ATTRwt deposits. 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy can image extracardiac ATTRwt deposits before myocardial deposits.

International prevalence of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in high-risk patients with heart failure and preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is an underdiagnosed cause of heart failure (HF).

METHODS

This epidemiology study assessed the international prevalence of ATTR-CM among patients aged ≥60 years with a history of HF, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >40%, an end-diastolic interventricular septum thickness (IVST) ≥12 mm, but without diagnosed amyloidosis, history of LVEF ≤40%, cardiomyopathy of known cause, severe valvular, or coronary heart disease. ATTR-CM was determined using cardiac scintigraphy alongside exclusionary testing for light chain amyloidosis. The study was terminated early due to slow recruitment, without safety concerns.

RESULTS

Overall, 56/315 (18%; 95% CI: 13.7-22.5) patients with evaluable scintigraphy had ATTR-CM, with a numerically higher prevalence in: Europe (24%) vs. other regions (9% Asia; 5% North America); at specialist vs non-specialist centres (26% vs. 11%); in males vs. females (24% vs. 10%); and in older vs. younger patients (e.g. >40% among those ≥85 years). Other risk markers (p<.05) included a history of carpal tunnel syndrome, higher N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide concentration, and higher end-diastolic IVST.

CONCLUSIONS

ATTR-CM was diagnosed in 18% (95% CI: 13.7-22.5) of evaluable patients with HF, LVEF >40%, and risk markers for ATTR-CM, but no previous diagnosis of amyloidosis. Recruitment bias may have contributed to regional variability. NCT04424914.

Spectrum of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis due to T60A(p.Thr80Ala) variant in an Irish Amyloidosis Network

BACKGROUND

Variant transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a hereditary multisystem disorder with clinical spectrum ranging from predominant cardiomyopathy to polyneuropathy. In the Irish population, the T60A mutation has been previously recognised as the most common genotype.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to describe the diagnostic and phenotypic spectrum of patients with T60A ATTRv attending an Irish Expert Amyloidosis Network.

METHODS

In this observational study design, the medical, laboratory and radiological records of patients enrolled in our amyloidosis registry with a confirmed genotype diagnosis of T60A ATTRv were reviewed.

RESULTS

A cohort of 24 patients (12 female) met criteria for inclusion. The median age at diagnosis was 65 years (IQR 59.5-66.5) and median follow-up 44 months (IQR 31-58). Carpal tunnel syndrome was the initial manifestation in almost half (46%) of patients. Overall, a mixed cardioneuro phenotype was demonstrated including autonomic (75%), small (58%) and large fibre (46%) neuropathy largely predating a cardiac phenotype consisting of heart failure (63%), atrial arrhythmia (42%) and bradycardia (13%).

CONCLUSION

The contemporary clinical spectrum of T60A ATTRv in Ireland is one of patients typically presenting in the seventh decade with an already manifest neuropathy phenotype, largely predating a cardiac phenotype dominated by heart failure.

Amyloidosis in Childhood: A Review of Clinical Features and Comparison with Adult Forms

Amyloidosis is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by extracellular accumulation of insoluble fibrils in various organs and tissues. The most common subtype in the pediatric population is systemic reactive amyloidosis, typically developing secondary to chronic inflammatory conditions and resulting in deposition of serum amyloid A protein in association with apolipoprotein HDL3. Clinical presentation is highly variable and is mostly influenced by specific organs involved, precursor protein type, and extent of amyloid deposition, often closely reflecting clinical features of the underlying disease. The most critical determinants of prognosis are cardiac and renal involvement. Diagnosis of amyloidosis is confirmed by tissue biopsy, which remains the gold standard, followed by precise amyloid fibril typing. The primary therapeutic approach is directed towards controlling underlying disease and reducing serum levels of precursor proteins to prevent further amyloid deposition. This study aims to highlight the main clinical characteristics of amyloidosis with onset in childhood, emphasizing the key differences compared to adult form.

Electrocardiographic abnormalities attributable to infiltrative cardiomyopathies: review and prevalence in patients with congestive heart failure

BACKGROUND

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is routinely used in patients with suspected infiltrative cardiomyopathies; heart diseases characterized by the abnormal deposition of pathological substances in the myocardium. This study presents a review of ECG features attributable to various infiltrative cardiomyopathies and analyzes the prevalence and overlap of electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with adjudicated CHF.

RESULTS

The study included 573 consecutive CHF patients without severe aortic stenosis, further stratified by LV hypertrophy (LVH) and preserved or decreased LV ejection fraction. Comprehensive ECG analysis revealed at least one ECG abnormality typically associated with infiltrative cardiomyopathies in 95% of patients, and more than one ECG abnormality in 70%. An average number of ECG abnormalities was 2.2 ± 1.2 per patient. There was substantial overlap in ECG abnormalities in individual patients, particularly those attributable to Fabry's disease and hemochromatosis (51.5%) or cardiac amyloidosis (46.1%), and hemochromatosis and cardiac amyloidosis (44.2%). Prevalence of various ECG abnormalities was similar across various patient demographics and co-morbidities, including LVH status and/or history of CAD which did not increase the number of ECG abnormalities (2.155 ± 1.238 vs. 2.228 ± 1.192 in patients without CAD history, p = 0.969). Patients with reduced LV ejection fraction had a higher prevalence of widened QRS and premature ventricular complexes.

CONCLUSION

ECG abnormalities attributable to infiltrative cardiomyopathies are common in heart failure patients, with a significant overlap in findings classically attributed to various infiltrative cardiomyopathies. The presence of LVH and decreased LV ejection fraction do not significantly affect the prevalence of ECG abnormalities.

Novel Insights into Non-Invasive Diagnostic Techniques for Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Critical Review

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a cardiac storage disease caused by the progressive extracellular deposition of misfolded proteins in the myocardium. Despite the increasing interest in this pathology, it remains an underdiagnosed condition. Non-invasive diagnostic techniques play a central role in the suspicion and detection of CA, also thanks to the continuous scientific and technological advances in these tools. The 12-lead electrocardiography is an inexpensive and reproducible test with a diagnostic accuracy that, in some cases, exceeds that of imaging techniques, as recent studies have shown. Echocardiography is the first-line imaging modality, although none of its parameters are pathognomonic. According to the 2023 ESC Guidelines, a left ventricular wall thickness ≥ 12 mm is mandatory for the suspicion of CA, making this technique crucial. Cardiac magnetic resonance provides high-resolution images associated with tissue characterization. The use of contrast and non-contrast sequences enhances the diagnostic power of this imaging modality. Nuclear imaging techniques, including bone scintigraphy and positron emission tomography, allow the detection of amyloid deposition in the heart, and their role is also central in assessing the prognosis and response to therapy. The role of computed tomography was recently evaluated by several studies, above in population affected by aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, with promising results. Finally, machine learning and artificial intelligence-derived algorithms are gaining ground in this scenario and provide the basis for future research. Understanding the new insights into non-invasive diagnostic techniques is critical to better diagnose and manage patients with CA and improve their survival.

Impact of tafamidis on myocardial function and CMR tissue characteristics in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy

AIMS

Tafamidis improves clinical outcomes in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), yet how tafamidis affects cardiac structure and function remains poorly described. This study prospectively analysed the effect of tafamidis on 12-month longitudinal changes in cardiac structure and function by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) compared with the natural course of disease in an untreated historic control cohort.

METHODS AND RESULTS

ATTR-CM patients underwent CMR at tafamidis initiation and at 12 months. Untreated patients with serial CMRs served as reference to compare biventricular function, global longitudinal strain (GLS), LV mass and extracellular volume fraction (ECV). Thirty-six tafamidis-treated (n = 35; 97.1% male) and 15 untreated patients (n = 14; 93.3% male) with a mean age of 78.3 ± 6.5 and 76.9 ± 6.5, respectively, and comparable baseline characteristics were included. Tafamidis was associated with preserving biventricular function (LVEF (%): 50.5 ± 12 to 50.7 ± 11.5, P = 0.87; RVEF (%): 48.2 ± 10.4 to 48.2 ± 9.4, P = 0.99) and LV-GLS (-9.6 ± 3.2 to -9.9 ± 2.4%; P = 0.595) at 12 months, while a significantly reduced RV-function (50.8 ± 7.3 to 44.2 ± 11.6%, P = 0.028; P (change over time between groups) = 0.032) and numerically worsening LVGLS (-10.9 ± 3.3 to -9.1 ± 2.9%, P = 0.097; P (change over time between groups) = 0.048) was observed without treatment. LV mass significantly declined with tafamidis (184.7 ± 47.7 to 176.5 ± 44.3 g; P = 0.011), yet remained unchanged in untreated patients (163.8 ± 47.5 to 171.2 ± 39.7 g P = 0.356, P (change over time between groups) = 0.027). Irrespective of tafamidis, ECV and native T1-mapping did not change significantly from baseline to 12-month follow-up (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with untreated ATTR-CM patients, initiation of tafamidis preserved CMR-measured biventricular function and reduced LV mass at 12 months. ECV and native T1-mapping did not change significantly comparable to baseline in both groups.

Impact of Anemia on Mortality and Morbidity in Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy

Anemia is prevalent in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), but its prognostic significance remains uncertain because of conflicting data mainly in patients not receiving disease-modifying therapy. Additionally, the effect of anemia on morbidity in this population has not been studied. This retrospective study included 270 patients diagnosed with ATTR-CM, receiving disease-modifying treatment (tafamidis), of which 30% (n = 80) were anemic (defined as a hemoglobin level <13 g/100 ml for males and <12 g/100 ml for females according to the World Health Organization). At baseline, patients with anemia were on average older (mean age 79 vs 77 years), more likely to be female (21% vs 12%), and exhibited higher symptom severity based on the New York Heart Association class (42% in class III vs 27%) compared with those without anemia. Additionally, they had a worse Columbia score (mean score 3 vs 5) and Columbia stage (12% in late-stage vs 7.1%) than those without anemia. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicates that anemia was associated with a higher likelihood of mortality, all-cause, and cardiovascular (CV) hospitalizations (p <0.05). However, in the Cox regression analysis, after adjusting for baseline age, ATTR genotype, and Columbia score, anemia was only associated with a higher risk of all-cause hospitalizations (hazard ratio 1.9 (1.3 to 2.7), p <0.001) and CV-related hospitalizations (hazard ratio 1.9 (1.2 to 2.9), p = 0.006). In conclusion, this study indicates that anemic patients with ATTR-CM have higher risks of CV and all-cause hospitalizations compared with nonanemic ATTR-CM patients. Further research is needed to understand how treating anemia may improve outcomes in this high-risk patient population.

2024 Update to the 2020 ACC/AHA Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Adults With Heart Failure: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Performance Measures

This document describes performance measures for heart failure that are appropriate for public reporting or pay-for-performance programs and is meant to serve as a focused update of the "2020 ACC/AHA Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Adults With Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Performance Measures." The new performance measures are taken from the "2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines" and are selected from the strongest recommendations (Class 1 or Class 3). In contrast, quality measures may not have as much evidence base and generally comprise metrics that might be useful for clinicians and health care organizations for quality improvement but are not yet appropriate for public reporting or pay-for-performance programs. New performance measures include optimal blood pressure control in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and the use of guideline-directed medical therapy in hospitalized patients. New quality measures include the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction, the optimization of guideline-directed medical therapy prior to intervention for chronic secondary severe mitral regurgitation, continuation of guideline-directed medical therapy for patients with heart failure with improved ejection fraction, identifying both known risks for cardiovascular disease and social determinants of health, patient-centered counseling regarding contraception and pregnancy risks for individuals with cardiomyopathy, and the need for a monoclonal protein screen to exclude light chain amyloidosis when interpreting a bone scintigraphy scan assessing for transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.

Effect of Timely Availability of TTR-Stabilizing Therapy on Diagnosis, Therapy, and Clinical Outcomes in ATTR-CM

Background: Tafamidis reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), yet availability and access to therapy vary. Objective: To determine how availability and access to tafamidis impact time-to-diagnosis, time-to-therapy, and cardiovascular outcomes in ATTR-CM. Methods: Ninety-one consecutive ATTR-CM (~97% wt-TTR) patients diagnosed between June 2019 and June 2021 were evaluated for tafamidis. Access to therapy was regulated by compassionate use [n(CU) = 42] prior to, and insurance [n(IA) = 49] after regulatory approval. Results: Tafamidis was started in 37/42 (88.1%), and 39/49 (79.6%) patients, respectively. At diagnosis, ATTR-CM disease stage (≤stage 2: 88.2% vs. 90.9%, p = 0.92) was similar between groups. Timely access (after tafamidis approval) reduced the median time from first presentation to diagnosis from 6.2 (IQR: 1.3-28.9) to 2.4 (0.7-21.7) months, and from first presentation to therapy from 24.4 (10.7-46.8) to 11.8 (6.4-32.4) months. While RV function significantly worsened between diagnosis and therapy initiation in CU patients diagnosed before tafamidis approval (S'-velocity 10.0 ± 2.2 to 9.2 ± 2.2 cm/s; p = 0.018; TAPSE 17.3 ± 4.7 to 15.7 ± 3.9 mm, p = 0.008), it remained unchanged in IA patients (S'-velocity 9.6 ± 2.6 to 9.4 ± 2.3 cm/s; p = 0.83; TAPSE 15.6 ± 4.2 to 16.3 ± 3.1 mm, p = 0.45). After a median follow-up of 42.3 and 24.9 months in CU and IA patients, respectively, timely availability was associated with a reduction in annual heart failure hospitalizations (0.40 vs. 0.16 per patient, p < 0.001) and improved MACE-free survival (HR = 0.51; 95%CI: 0.26-1.00; p = 0.051). Timely diagnosis (<12-months) prolonged MACE-free survival (HR = 0.424; 95%CI: 0.22-0.81; p = 0.004), and reduced HFH (HR = 0.40; 95%CI: 0.19-0.81); p = 0.011) and all-cause mortality (HR = 0.29; 95%CI: 0.11-0.74); p = 0.009). Conclusions: Availability of tafamidis improves diagnostic efficacy in ATTR-CM patients. Timely diagnosis and initiation of therapy reduces adverse cardiovascular events.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in severe aortic stenosis submitted to valve replacement: a multicenter study

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of TTR amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in severe aortic stenosis (SAS) patients, and to determine the independent predictors of major adverse events (MAE).Patients & methods: 91 SAS patients >65 years with an interventricular septum thickness ≥12.5 mm were referred for aortic valve replacement (AVR). 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy was applied to diagnose ATTR-CM, in the absence of monoclonal protein.Results: ATTR-CM was found in 11%. 78% of patients underwent AVR, but only 2 had ATTR-CM. There were no significant differences in the composite of all cause-mortality or cardiovascular hospitalizations. Lower left ventricle ejection fraction and not performing AVR were independent predictors of MAE.Conclusion: Not performing AVR was an independent predictor of MAE, regardless the ATTR-CM diagnosis.

Transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy in Greece: Clinical insights from the National Referral Center

BACKGROUND

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) vary by region, necessitating the acquisition of country-specific evidence for proper management.

METHODS

This is an observational study including sequential patients presenting in the Amyloidosis Reference Center of Greece, from 01/2014 to 12/2022. ATTR-CM was diagnosed by positive scintigraphy and exclusion of light-chain amyloidosis or positive biopsy typing. Genetic testing was performed in all cases.

RESULTS

In total, 109 ATTR-CM patients were included (median age, 81 years) of which 15 carried TTR mutations (27% Val30Met). Most patients (82%) presented with heart failure and 59% with atrial fibrillation, while 10% had aortic stenosis. Importantly, 78 (71.6%) had clinically significant extracardiac manifestations (45% musculoskeletal disorder, 40% peripheral neuropathy, and 33% gastrointestinal symptoms). Sixty-five (60%) received disease-specific treatment with tafamidis. Estimated median survival was 48 months; advanced NYHA class, National Amyloidosis Center stage, eGFR<45 ml/kg/1.73 m2, NT-pro-BNP>5000 pg/mL were associated with worse survival, while tafamidis treatment was associated with improved survival in patients with IVS≥ 12 mm.

DISCUSSION

These are the first data describing the characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with ATTR-CM in Greece, which could influence local guidelines.

Challenges in the approach to a patient with aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis with ATTR mutation associated with negative scintigraphy - A case report

Introduction

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In this case report, we detail a patient with CA due to a rare transthyretin (CA-TTR) mutation, manifesting with negative myocardial scintigraphy and requiring genetic testing for diagnosis. The patient also had severe aortic stenosis (AS), necessitating discussion with a heart team to determine the optimal treatment strategy.

Case report

A 70-year-old male with a family history of sudden death was previously diagnosed with third-degree atrioventricular block and treated with a pacemaker. He presented with worsening exertional dyspnoea, and examination revealed a third heart sound, a systolic murmur indicative of AS and bilateral muscular atrophy in the thenar region. Transthoracic echocardiography indicated severe AS and moderate left ventricular dysfunction, with images suggesting infiltrative disease. Pyrophosphate scintigraphy revealed no abnormal cardiac tracer uptake. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed extensive, heterogeneous, subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement in both the atria and ventricles, which was consistent with CA. Genetic testing identified the Phe84Leu mutation in the TTR gene. Following heart team discussions, the patient underwent successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and remained asymptomatic in follow-up, being monitored at an outpatient clinic specializing in CA and using tafamidis.

Discussion

CA-TTR can be an autosomal dominant disease with variable penetrance involving abnormal amyloid protein deposition in tissues and can often be diagnosed noninvasively via myocardial scintigraphy. However, some TTR mutations do not affect scintigraphy results, necessitating genetic testing when clinical suspicion is high, potentially avoiding endomyocardial biopsy. Moreover, AS occurs in up to 16 % of TTR amyloidosis patients, with the conditions mutually exacerbating each other. Recent consensus suggests that TAVI reduces mortality in patients with severe AS and amyloidosis.

Conclusions

Various diagnostic algorithms emphasize the use of myocardial scintigraphy for suspected CA-TTR. Genetic testing is crucial when scintigraphy results are negative, but clinical suspicion remains high, potentially circumventing invasive procedures. Compared with medical management alone, TAVI has been shown to improve quality of life and survival in patients with concurrent severe AS and CA.

2024 Update to the 2020 ACC/AHA Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Adults With Heart Failure: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Performance Measures

This document describes performance measures for heart failure that are appropriate for public reporting or pay-for-performance programs and is meant to serve as a focused update of the "2020 ACC/AHA Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Adults With Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Performance Measures." The new performance measures are taken from the "2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines" and are selected from the strongest recommendations (Class 1 or Class 3). In contrast, quality measures may not have as much evidence base and generally comprise metrics that might be useful for clinicians and health care organizations for quality improvement but are not yet appropriate for public reporting or pay-for-performance programs. New performance measures include optimal blood pressure control in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and the use of guideline-directed medical therapy in hospitalized patients. New quality measures include the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction, the optimization of guideline-directed medical therapy prior to intervention for chronic secondary severe mitral regurgitation, continuation of guideline-directed medical therapy for patients with heart failure with improved ejection fraction, identifying both known risks for cardiovascular disease and social determinants of health, patient-centered counseling regarding contraception and pregnancy risks for individuals with cardiomyopathy, and the need for a monoclonal protein screen to exclude light chain amyloidosis when interpreting a bone scintigraphy scan assessing for transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.

Prevalence and characteristics of patients with incidental cardiac uptake on bone scintigraphy

BACKGROUND

Bone scintigraphy is emerging as a confirmatory diagnostic tool for transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA). This study aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical characteristics of patients with incidental cardiac uptake and incidental ATTR-CA on bone scintigraphy.

METHODS

All bone scintigraphic studies performed at a tertiary teaching hospital between 2011 and 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who underwent bone scintigraphy to confirm ATTR-CA were excluded. Patients with cardiac uptake of grade 2 or 3 were included and divided into two groups: possible ATTR-CA group and noncardiac amyloidosis (non-CA) group.

RESULTS

Of the 61,432 bone scintigraphic studies performed on 32,245 patients, 23 (0.07%) had grade 2 or 3 cardiac uptake. Nine of 23 patients (39.1%) were assigned to the non-CA group because they showed cardiac uptake from definite other causes or focal uptake that did not match CA. The remaining 14 patients (60.9%) were classified as the possible ATTR-CA group, and five patients were referred to cardiologists and finally diagnosed with ATTR-CA. Two patients were treated with tafamidis. Patients in the ATTR-CA group were significantly older and had a less frequent history of end-stage renal disease than those in the non-CA group. Other characteristics were comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although incidental ATTR-CA in patients undergoing bone scintigraphy for noncardiac reasons is uncommon, if cardiac uptake is observed in elderly patients without metastatic calcification associated with end-stage renal disease, further diagnostic work-up for ATTR-CA as a cause of undiagnosed heart failure should be considered.

Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Literature Review

Cardiac amyloidosis, increasingly recognized for its significant impact on global heart health and patient survival, demands a thorough review to understand its complexity and the urgency of improved management strategies. As a cause of cardiomyopathy and heart failure, particularly in patients with aortic stenosis and atrial fibrillation, this condition also relates to higher incidences of dementia in the affected populations. The objective of this review was to integrate and discuss the latest advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics for cardiac amyloidosis, emphasizing the implications for patient prognosis. We evaluated the latest literature from major medical databases such as PubMed and Scopus, focusing on research from 2020 to 2024, to gather comprehensive insights into the current landscape of this condition. Insights from our review highlight the complex pathophysiology of cardiac amyloidosis and the diagnostic challenges it presents. We detail the effectiveness of emerging treatments, notably gene silencing therapies like patisiran and vutrisiran, which offer transformative potential by targeting the production of amyloidogenic proteins. Additionally, the stabilization therapy acoramidis shows promise in modifying disease progression and improving clinical outcomes. This review underscores the critical need for updated clinical guidelines and further research to expand access to groundbreaking therapies and enhance disease management. Advocating for continued research and policy support, we emphasize the importance of advancing diagnostic precision and treatment effectiveness, which are vital for improving patient outcomes and addressing this debilitating disease globally.

[Clinical case of generalized amyloidosis (ATTR-amyloidosis) with a progressive course of chronic heart failure. Case report]

Despite the presence of various signs of cardiac amyloidosis ("red flags"), the introduction into routine practice of new non-invasive diagnostic methods (Speckle Tracking technology using echocardiography, myocardial scintigraphy with technetium pyrophosphate, genetic testing, screening for free light chains of immunoglobulins to exclude AL-amyloidosis), which have high specificity and sensitivity, transthyretinic (ATTR) cardiomyopathy is still a difficult to diagnose disease, especially in the early stages when treatment is most effective. The article presents a clinical case of ATTR-amyloidosis with predominant heart damage, manifested by severe diastolic heart failure resistant to treatment. The timing, from the moment of the first episode of decompensation of heart failure to death, is 4 months, which confirms the rapid progression of severe biventricular dysfunction of the heart. Despite the presence of cardiac and extracardial "red flags" of ATTR-amyloidosis in the patient, the diagnosis was established at autopsy. The paper analyzes possible errors of early diagnosis at the outpatient and inpatient stages of patient management.

Pericardial Disease in Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Comprehensive Review

In patients with cardiac amyloidosis, pericardial involvement is common, with up to half of patients presenting with pericardial effusions. The pathophysiological mechanisms of pericardial pathology in cardiac amyloidosis include chronic elevations in right-sided filling pressures, myocardial and pericardial inflammation due to cytotoxic effects of amyloid deposits, and renal involvement with subsequent uremia and hypoalbuminemia. The pericardial effusions are typically small; however, several cases of life-threatening cardiac tamponade with hemorrhagic effusions have been described as a presenting clinical scenario. Constrictive pericarditis can also occur due to amyloidosis and its identification presents a clinical challenge in patients with cardiac amyloidosis who concurrently manifest signs of restrictive cardiomyopathy. Multimodality imaging, including echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, is useful in the evaluation and management of this patient population. The recognition of pericardial effusion is important in the risk stratification of patients with cardiac amyloidosis as its presence confers a poor prognosis. However, specific treatment aimed at the effusions themselves is seldom indicated. Cardiac tamponade and constrictive pericarditis may necessitate pericardiocentesis and pericardiectomy, respectively.

Adherence and persistence to tafamidis treatment among Medicare beneficiaries in the presence of a patient assistance program

Tafamidis is the only disease-modifying therapy approved to treat patients in the United States with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), which most commonly affects patients aged ≥ 65 years. The manufacturer operates a patient assistance program (PAP) to support access to tafamidis. This study conducted Privacy Preserving Record Linking (PPRL) using Datavant tokens to match patients across Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP) and PAP databases to evaluate the impact of PAPs on treatment exposure classification, adherence, and persistence determined using Medicare PDP data alone. We found 35% of Medicare PDP patients received tafamidis through the PAP only; 14% through both Medicare PDP and the PAP, and 51% through Medicare PDP only. Adherence and persistence were comparable between these cohorts but underestimated among patients who received ≥ 2 prescriptions through Medicare PDP and ≥ 1 through the PAP when solely using Medicare data versus pooled Medicare and PAP data (modified Medication Possession Ratio: 84% [69% ≥ 80% adherent] vs. 96% [93%]; Proportion of Days Covered: 77% [66% ≥ 80% adherent] vs. 88% [88%]; mean days to discontinuation: 186 vs. 252; total discontinuation: 13% vs. 11%). Cross-database PPRL is a valuable method to build more complete treatment journeys and reduce the risk of exposure misclassification in real-world analyses.