DiagnosingAL amyloidosis

Diagnosis of AL amyloidosis can be challenging, since the symptoms are often very general.

The diagnosis can be confirmed by removing a biopsy (small tissue sample) from the affected part of the body, and examining this under a microscope in the laboratory, using special stainsto check for amyloid proteins.

How the tissue sample is removed will depend on which parts of the body are affected. In some people with suspected anyloidosis, a biopsy of tummy fat (taken using a needle) or a biopsy from the gut (taken during an endoscopy ) may give a positive result.

Other tests

Further diagnostic tests are also available at the NHS National Amyloidosis Centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

These include a type of scan called SAP scintigraphy, which involves being injected with a mildly radioactive version of blood protein before being scanned with a gamma camera.

This protein coats any amyloid deposits in your body, which highlights most areas of the body affected by amyloid deposits.

You may also have further tests to assess how the amyloid deposits have affected your individual organs. For example, an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound scan ) may be carried out to check the condition of your heart.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018