To confirm a diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis, you will need either a cardiac biopsy or technetium pyrophosphate scan.
A cardiac biopsy involves taking a small sample of heart tissue that the doctor examines under the microscope.
A technetium pyrophosphate scan is similar to an MRI in that it gives a picture of the heart. A dye is injected before the scan and will cause transthyretin amyloidosis to “light up.” If either test indicates TTR amyloidosis, genetic testing is recommended to confirm the subtype.
Other tests that might be recommended:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Blood work
- Urinalysis