Amyloid consults do not have to be vexing. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program 2023 Dec 08;2023(1):407-412
Date
12/09/2023Pubmed ID
38066929Pubmed Central ID
PMC10727086DOI
10.1182/hematology.2023000440Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85179649635 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)Abstract
Diagnosing amyloidosis can be challenging due to its clinical heterogeneity, need for multiple specialists to make a diagnosis, and lack of a single diagnostic test for the disease. Patients are often diagnosed late, in advanced stage, and after exhibiting multiple symptoms and signs for a long period. It is important to develop a clinical suspicion of amyloidosis, particularly in those with multisystemic symptoms and high-risk patient populations such as those with precursor hematologic conditions. A systematic approach to the workup of suspected amyloidosis is key, including a comprehensive clinical assessment, laboratory tests to assess organ involvement, advanced imaging studies, screening for plasma cell disorder, and tissue biopsy when necessary. After making a diagnosis of amyloidosis, accurate typing of amyloid deposits, differentiating between localized and systemic amyloidosis, and appropriately staging the disease is important. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life in light chain amyloidosis.
Author List
D'Souza AAuthor
Anita D'Souza MD Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AmyloidAmyloidosis
Humans
Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis
Paraproteinemias
Quality of Life
