Diagnosis

Amyloidosis is often overlooked because the signs and symptoms can mimic those of more-common diseases.

Early diagnosis can help prevent further organ damage. Precise diagnosis is important because treatment varies greatly, depending on your specific condition.

Laboratory tests

Your blood and urine may be analyzed for abnormal protein that can indicate amyloidosis. Depending on your signs and symptoms, you may also have thyroid and liver function tests.

Biopsy

A tissue sample may be taken and checked for signs of amyloidosis. The biopsy may be taken from the fat under the skin on your abdomen (fat aspirate), bone marrow, or an affected organ — such as your liver or kidney. Specialized testing of the tissue can help determine the type of amyloid deposit.

Imaging tests

Images of the organs affected by amyloidosis can help establish the extent of your disease. Tests may include:

• Echocardiogram. This technology uses sound waves to create moving images that can show how well your heart is working. It can also show heart damage that can be specific to particular types of amyloidosis.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of organs and tissues in your body. These can be used to assess the structure and function of your heart.
• Nuclear imaging. In this test, tiny amounts of radioactive material (tracers) are injected into a vein. This can reveal early heart damage caused by certain types of amyloidosis. It can also help distinguish between different types of amyloidosis, which can guide treatment decisions.