Great question — and it's a really important step in getting the right treatment. Once amyloidosis is confirmed, the next goal is figuring out which type it is, since each type is treated differently.
The biopsy samples already taken (kidney and liver) can actually be re-examined by a pathologist to identify which abnormal Show Full Answer
Great question — and it's a really important step in getting the right treatment. Once amyloidosis is confirmed, the next goal is figuring out which type it is, since each type is treated differently.
The biopsy samples already taken (kidney and liver) can actually be re-examined by a pathologist to identify which abnormal proteins are causing the deposits. This is often the first step in typing the disease. Beyond that, additional tests may include:
- Serum free light-chain assay — checks levels of light-chain proteins in the blood (points toward AL amyloidosis)
- Immunofixation electrophoresis — measures light-chain proteins in blood or urine
- Bone marrow biopsy — looks more closely at plasma cells
- Genetic blood test — checks for mutations in the TTR gene, which would indicate hereditary ATTR amyloidosis
- Cardiac biomarkers (troponin, BNP/NT-proBNP) — assess heart involvement
The results of these tests together help your care team pinpoint the exact type and tailor treatment accordingly.
August 10
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