I think that there isn't an easy answer for this request by the family. If proceeding, I would confirm that immuno-stains had confirmed this amyloid was not primary or secondary amyloid. Some cardiac amyloid cases are associated with mutations to prealbumin (aka transthyretin) and this could be testable, but may require coordination with the genetic research labs involved in various parts of the world. ( I believe a group in Portugal was quite active in these mutations).
I don't believe that all cardiac amyloids involve mutant prealbumin however. A number of other proteins could form atrial amyloid deposits and it may be quite a research project to initiate investigations to pin down if there is risk to the rest of the family.
It's been a few years since I was involved in amyloid research and I hope this advise is still accurate. The simple answer may be that there is no convenient clinical test available.
regards, Andrew
Dr.A.Lyon, Univ. Calgary.
in reply to:
----- Original Message -----
From: "Vasikaran, Samuel" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 9:50 pm
Subject: Blood test for atrial amyloid
>
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