The patient pathway in ATTR-CM in Greece and how to improve it: a multidisciplinary perspective

Apostolou, Efstratios A., Fontrier, Anna Maria, Efthimiadis, Georgios K., Kastritis, Efstathios, Parissis, John and Kanavos, Panos ORCID: 0000-0001-9518-3089 (2023) The patient pathway in ATTR-CM in Greece and how to improve it: a multidisciplinary perspective. Hellenic Journal of Cardiology, 73 (September–October 2023). 73 - 80. ISSN 1109-9666

Text (Apostolou-et-al__Patient-pathway-ATTR-CM-Greece--published) - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (646kB)

• Author
• Scopus publication

Abstract

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is an underdiagnosed disease associated with high mortality rates and the patient journey is characterized by increased complexities. Accurate and timely diagnosis and prompt initiation of disease-modifying treatment constitute the contemporary unmet need in ATTR-CM. ATTR-CM diagnosis is characterized by considerable delays and high rates of misdiagnosis. The majority of patients present themselves to primary care physicians, internists, and cardiologists, and many have undergone repeated medical evaluations before an accurate diagnosis has been made. The disease is diagnosed mainly after the development of heart failure symptoms, reflecting a long course of missed opportunities before diagnosis and disease-modifying treatment initiation. Early referral to experienced centers ensures prompt diagnosis and therapy. Early diagnosis, better care coordination, acceleration of digital transformation and reference networks, encouragement of patient engagement, and implementation of rare disease registries are the key pillars to improve the ATTR-CM patient pathway and achieve important benefits in ATTR-CM outcomes.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/hellenic-jou...
Additional Information:	© 2023 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Health Policy
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Date Deposited:	17 Aug 2023 23:24
Last Modified:	25 Apr 2024 07:43
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/120014

Actions (login required)

View Item