cardiac amyloid imaging protocol
Specialized imaging sequence using bone scintigraphy tracers to detect cardiac amyloid deposits. Key technique for diagnosing transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis non-invasively.
Full Definition
Cardiac amyloid imaging protocols utilize bone-seeking radiotracers, particularly technetium-99m pyrophosphate (PYP), DPD, or HMDP, to detect transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis. The protocol involves planar and SPECT imaging at 1-3 hours post-injection, with visual grading (grade 0-3) and heart-to-contralateral lung uptake ratio quantification. Grade 2 or 3 uptake with appropriate clinical context confirms ATTR cardiac amyloidosis without need for biopsy. This technique has revolutionized diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis, particularly wild-type ATTR in elderly patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.
Usage
Usage note: Specify tracer used (PYP, DPD, HMDP) and grading system employed.
In Context
- "The cardiac amyloid imaging protocol demonstrated grade 3 uptake consistent with ATTR cardiomyopathy." — Nuclear medicine report
- "Tc-99m PYP scintigraphy was performed using our standard cardiac amyloid imaging protocol." — Procedure documentation