Cardiac amyloidosis: an update on diagnosis, current therapy, and future directions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to serve as a practical guide for differentiating the two most common forms of cardiac amyloidosis, as well as reviewing the approach to diagnosis and management, particularly as it pertains to transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.

RECENT FINDINGS: Emerging literature continues to unravel new understandings and challenges in the field of cardiac amyloidosis. Although cardiac amyloidosis has historically been thought of as a 'zebra diagnosis', current evidence has shown that this is a common cause of heart failure. Furthermore, it has become increasingly apparent that earlier diagnosis leads to improved outcomes and quality of life for patients.

SUMMARY: By leveraging an understanding of the pathophysiology leading to amyloid fibril formation, new drug therapeutics are under investigation as promising candidates for the treatment of amyloid cardiomyopathy.