PET-CT evaluation of amyloid systemic involvement with [ 18 F]-florbetaben in patient with proved cardiac amyloidosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: One of the most frequent disorders which lead to cardiac amyloidosis is transthyretin-related amyloidosis (ATTR). Some PET radio-pharmaceuticals for the detection of beta-amyloid deposits within the brain have shown to be able to detect also cardiac amyloid deposits. We present a case of a man with ATTR studied with [18 F]-florbetaben PET-CT.

RESULTS: Total-body scan showed a moderate uptake in the bone marrow, especially in correspondence of the vertebral column, while no significant myocardial uptake was present. Cardiac-focused scans showed low mean cardiac SUV values confirming the absence of significant myocardial uptake. Brain scan showed a significant cortical brain uptake of the radio-pharmaceutical more evident in correspondence of frontal and temporal lobes.

CONCLUSIONS: Distinct subtypes of amyloidosis show different uptake of the radiotracer. Brain amyloid deposition in the presence of a systemic disease could not be caused by the same amyloid precursor.