Primary amyloidosis MRI

MRI is commonly done to assess for amyloid deposition in particular organs. It can also be done to rule out other causes of organ dysfunction. However, MRI is more sensitive than CT in the diagnosis of amyloidosis. A cardiac MRI is used when an echocardiogram fails to differentiate amyloidosis from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

In cardiac amyloidosis the MRI findings may include^[1]:

• Cardiomegaly with heterogeneous decreased attenuation
• Cardiac calcifications
• Pericardial effusion (rare)

In hepatic amyloidosis the MRI scan findings may include:

• Liver enlargement with heterogeneous decreased attenuation
• Asymmetric and triangular hepatomegaly with the apex at the falciform ligament (due to mild atrophic change of the lateral border of both hepatic lobes)
• Parenchyma calcification (rare)

In renal amyloidosis the MRI findings may include:

• Kidney enlargement with heterogeneous decreased attenuation
• Parenchyma calcification (rare)

In amyloidosis involving the peripheral nerves the MRI findings may include:

• Perineural enhancement

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