Cardiac amyloidosis. Diagnosis by transvenous endomyocardial biopsy.

Endomyocardial tissue, obtained from two patients presenting with restrictive cardiomyopathies, demonstrated amyloid infiltration. The percutaneous transvenous cardiac biopsy technic, using a modified Konno-Sakakibara cardiac bioptome, was safe and quick. Physical examination and catheterization data may not provide a definite differential diagnosis between restrictive and constrictive myocardial disease. Confirmation by biopsy of the cardiac amyloidosis assisted in providing optimum diagnostic and therapeutic care for these patients.