Practice Points for Using Tc-99m PYP Imaging to Detect Cardiac TTR Amyloidosis

• By: admin
• On: 03/14/2016 16:27:01
• In: Guidelines & Quality

To advance the care of patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis, ASNC has developed new Practice Points that provide complete information about use of this test in one user-friendly tool that details: 
•    Patient selection 
•    Where to obtain the radiotracer
•    Step-by-step procedure guide 
•    Image interpretation and reporting instructions 
•    Billing guidance 

“Five years ago, Tc-99m PYP was not widely used clinically and, therefore, physicians were not familiar with the test,” says Sharmila Dorbala, MD, MPH, chair of the tool's writing group. “Now, that's all changed.” 

The changes include new clarity on what the test does and does not detect. It is specific and sensitive for TTR amyloidosis, but not for light chain (AL) amyloidosis. 
Equally important, now patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis have potential treatment options, meaning the test's purpose is to do more than provide a diagnosis. Early detection means that patients who have, or are at risk for, a serious form of heart failure can be enrolled in clinical trials and receive therapy with real potential to control symptoms and improve their quality of life. 

“Ultimately, wider use of Tc-99m PYP in appropriate clinical situations, with correct imaging technique, image interpretation and reporting, as outlined in the Practice Points, can hugely benefit individuals with heart failure by early diagnosis and application of appropriate therapy,” Dr. Dorbala says. “We hope nuclear cardiologists all over the world will use the Practice Points to help individuals with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis, who are currently underdiagnosed and can now be specifically treated.” 

Download this new PYP Practice Point from the Practice Points quick link in the Member Portal, an ASNC member benefit.