Amyloidosis Clinic

Care for People Living with Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a complicated group of diseases where an abnormal protein, called amyloid, can affect one or several organs. The organs involved include the bone marrow, heart, kidneys, nervous systems, gastrointestinal tract, and more.

The BIDMC Amyloidosis Clinic provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients with amyloidosis. The program is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of experts in Cardiology (including Advanced Heart Failure, Electrophysiology, Imaging, Cardio-Oncology, and Genetics), Hematology/Oncology, Nephrology, Neurology, Pathology, and Pharmacy to provide coordinated care.

Diagnosing & Treating Amyloidosis

Identifying the specific precursor of amyloidogenic protein is key to guiding accurate treatment and prognosis. It might require specialized imaging and a tissue biopsy, depending on each individual.

Treatment options can include chemotherapy and other newly approved medications, which are designed to slow the progression of amyloid accumulation in the affected organs. In addition, advanced heart failure therapies could be considered for some patients with significant heart involvement.

Some types of amyloidosis are hereditary and require special genetic assessment. Our Center for Cardiovascular Genetics provides this service to facilitate counseling and testing if needed.