A REVIEW OF THE AMYLOIDOSES THAT INFILTRATE THE HEART

Primary amyloidosis, systemic senile amyloidosis, isolated atrial amyl oidosis, and transthyretin isoleucine 122 amyloidosis frequently invol ve the heart. Amyloid fibrils infiltrate the myocardium, impairing ven tricular contraction and relaxation. The clinical manifestations of ca rdiac infiltration in these disorders are protean, though congestive h eart failure and arrhythmias are most common. Treatment of cardiac amy loidosis is directed at the underlying cause and at relief of symptoms . Heart transplantation is not a viable treatment option for patients with primary amyloidosis; its role in the other amyloidoses has not be en established. The prognosis of patients with cardiac amyloidosis var ies and is largely determined by the underlying disorder responsible f or amyloid infiltration.