Radiology-Pathology Correlation: Cardiac Amyloidosis

Abstract

PURPOSE/AIM
The purpose of this exhibit is: 1. To review the general features of cardiac amyloidosis. 2. To review the gross and microscopic pathologic findings of cardiac amyloidosis. 3. To review the MR imaging findings of cardiac amyloidosis with a brief overview of echocardiographic tissue characterization as well.

CONTENT ORGANIZATION
1. Definition and Pathophysiology. 2. Gross pathology findings. 3. Microscopic pathology findings and immunohistochemistry. 4. Pictorial: Correlative specimens and echocardiographic and MR images of cardiac amyloidosis.

SUMMARY
1. Cardiac amyloidosis is a restrictive cardiomyopathy with diastolic dysfunction due to interstitial amyloid deposits 2. It can be categorized as primary, senile, or familial. 3. Its main pathological characteristic is thickened ventricular walls with amyloid deposition at the microscopic level. 4. MRI can demonstrate all the findings associated with cardiac amyloidosis. 5. Further studies on MR tissue characterization and prediction of outcome should be performed.