Automated Echocardiographic Detection of Cardiac Amyloidosis: The Septal Reflectivity Ratio

NU 2023-056

INVENTORS

• Sanjiv Shah*
• Vinesh Appadurai
• Mayank Kansal
• Akhil Narang
• Brody Slostad
• James Thomas

SHORT DESCRIPTION

A first-of-its-kind diagnostic tool that automates the analysis of echocardiographic images to calculate the septal reflectivity ratio, enabling precise differentiation between cardiac amyloidosis subtypes.

BACKGROUND

Conventional diagnostic methods for cardiac amyloidosis often require multiple tests, including MRI, nuclear scans, or invasive biopsies, which can delay treatment and increase patient risk. Since treatment can vary significantly even among cardiac amyloidosis subtypes, a precise tool is needed for early and effective treatment. The septal reflectivity ratio was developed to overcome these clinical challenges by providing an early, non‐invasive diagnostic method that distinguishes transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) from light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA) and other phenocopies.

ABSTRACT

This invention integrates a memory module for storing echocardiographic images with a processor that analyzes a specified region of interest within the heart. The processor calculates the septal reflectivity ratio and uses this quantitative measure to differentiate the subtype of cardiac amyloidosis present. By automating the analysis, the system facilitates rapid, accurate diagnosis of ATTR-CA during routine transthoracic echocardiography, reducing the need for additional testing procedures and exposure to radiation or invasive biopsies.

APPLICATIONS

• Cardiac Amyloidosis Diagnostic: Enables early, non-invasive disease detection, including the ability to differentiate among subtypes (e.g. ATTR-CA from AL-CA) and from other phenocopies.

ADVANTAGES

• Increased diagnostic accuracy: Outperforms manual methods in detecting ATTR-CA clarifies ambiguous cases.
• Rapid diagnosis: Provides immediate results during initial echocardiographic exams.
• Non-invasive: Eliminates the need for radiation-based or invasive procedures.
• Streamlined clinical workflow: Easily integrates into routine imaging protocols.

PUBLICATIONS

• Sanjiv Shah et al, Novel echocardiographic pixel intensity quantification method for differentiating transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis from light chain cardiac amyloidosis and other phenocopies, European Heart Journal, 08 April 2024.

IP STATUS

US Patent Pending