Biomarkers and histo-pathology in cardiac amyloidosis

The diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis and the definition of cardiac involvement are based on multi-parametric diagnostic algorithms. Circulating biomarkers have a prominent role in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment management of patients with these conditions. In this chapter, we will analyze some of the biomarkers of systemic disease in light chain amyloidosis (AL) and transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) as well as biomarkers of cardiac involvement, namely cardiac troponin and natriuretic peptides. Moreover, we will discuss the role, pearls, and pitfalls of cardiac and extracardiac biopsy to achieve a correct diagnosis in this setting.