Amyloidosis Imaging with Nuclear Medicine Tracers

This article will explore the etiology, those most commonly affected, types, appearance, treatment, prognosis, etc. Research began by focusing on amyloidosis in general then diving in further looking specifically at cardiac amyloid and PET amyloid imaging. Each article describes amyloidosis as a very rare disease that affects predominantly a male population between the ages of 30 and 80. There are several different types of amyloidosis that affect an array of organs including the heart, nerves, digestive system, and the kidneys. Nuclear Medicine, using small amounts of radiation, can help diagnose cardiac amyloidosis and assist in PET amyloid imaging of Alzheimer’s Disease to determine the possibility of treatment. The results found were statistically significant. As mentioned before, it is a rare disease affecting males. Research has identified four different types: Light Chain Amyloidosis (AL), Transthyretin/Familial Amyloidosis (ATTR), Senile Systemic Amyloidosis (SSA), and AA Amyloidosis. ATTR is the primary cause for cardiac amyloidosis. Under the umbrella of amyloidosis, there is also beta-amyloid plaques which cause Alzheimer’s Disease in older adults. There is currently no cure for any type and, even after treatment, there is a poor prognosis. Keywords: amyloidosis, Nuclear Medicine, Alzheimer’s Disease
Source: Journal of Nuclear Medicine - Category: Nuclear Medicine Authors: Tags: Tech Students (Poster Session) Source Type: research