Cardiac amyloidosis is a relatively rare disease. However, with the newer imaging techniques that have become available to us in recent years, determining the diagnosis is becoming more common. There are several variants. Each variant involves protein accumulation between heart muscle cells. This leads to the heart stiffening and, as a result, the heart has a hard time filling. This can lead to heart failure with complaints such as fluid retention, cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, conduction abnormalities that sometimes require a pacemaker, and clot formation in the heart that can cause a stroke and narrowing of the aortic valve. Getting the correct diagnosis is important because specific treatment is available in some cases for the different variants of cardiac amyloidosis. This research is needed to better understand the course of this disease profile and which patients respond well to the specific treatment.
The aim of this research is to find out more about the course of the cardiac amyloidosis disease. The investigators see to what extent patients deteriorate in their condition due to the disease and how often they need to be hospitalized. Furthermore, the investigators want to learn to what extent certain abnormalities (on e.g. cardiac ultrasound) can predict how quickly clinical deterioration occurs. Finally, for certain forms of cardiac amyloidosis there is a specific drug treatment. Through this research, the investigators want to try to determine who really benefits from the specific medication in order to prescribe it to the right patients.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Diagnosed with AL or ATTR cardiac amyloidosis following the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology \[1\] which include:
Signs and symptoms, ECG, echo or CMR suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis and
* negative hematological test and bone scintigraphy Perugini stage 2 or 3 (is diagnostic for ATTR amyloidosis)
* negative hematological test and bone scintigraphy Perugini stage 1 and histological confirmation (either extracardiac or cardiac biopsy) with subtyping of ATTR amyloidosis
* positive hematological test and bone scintigraphy Perugini stage 1-3 and histological confirmation (usually cardiac biopsy) with subtyping of ATTR amyloidosis
* positive hematological rest and bone scintigraphy Perugini stage 0, MRI consistent with amyloidosis and histological confirmation (either extracardiac or cardiac biopsy) with subtyping AL amyloidosis
Exclusion Criteria:
* Unable to provide informed consent due to insufficient language proficiency or intellectual capabilities
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.