Diagnosing Cardiac Amyloidosis

We diagnose cardiac amyloidosis using a technetium pyrophosphate scan (cardiac PYP scan). This test is accurate 95 percent of the time. It helps us determine which type of cardiac amyloidosis you have. During the test:
  • We inject a small amount of harmless radioactive dye into a vein in your arm.
  • This dye sticks to areas of amyloidosis and causes them to “light up.”
  • We then perform a scan similar to a CT scan, which allows us to see the areas that are lit up.
We also offer genetic testing to you and your family members if you have the hereditary form of cardiac amyloidosis. You and your family members can get screened in our clinic, or we can mail a screening kit to their homes.