Conduction system disease in cardiac amyloidosis

Abstract

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) has diverse and deleterious effects on the conductive system. Atrial fibrillation is by far the most common electrophysiological manifestation of CA and is associated with more mortality, morbidity, and hospitalizations. While AF increases the risk of thrombosis regardless of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, the risk of thromboembolism seems to be high even in CA patients without AF. AV Nodal disease is prevalent and may precede the diagnosis of CA. The incidence of ventricular arrhythmias remains disputed, and the role of implantable cardioverter defibrillator devices in CA patients is controversial. Newer therapies targeted against specific types of CA have been developed, but their effects on conductive system disease are not well studied.