UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA | Amyloidosis Program

FOR PROVIDERS

The University of Minnesota Multidisciplinary Amyloidosis Program provides comprehensive evaluation and management for patients with suspected or confirmed amyloidosis, including cardiac, renal, neurologic, gastrointestinal, and hematologic involvement.

Our program integrates expertise across:

Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology
Hematology/Oncology
Nephrology
Neurology
Transplant Medicine

We provide:

Diagnostic clarification and amyloid typing
Organ-specific evaluation
Genetic testing and counseling (ATTR and others)
Disease-directed therapy coordination
Longitudinal co-management with referring clinicians

We welcome referrals for diagnostic evaluation, second opinions, or co-management.

When to Refer / Red Flags

Early referral is encouraged when clinical suspicion exists, as timely diagnosis impacts treatment options and outcomes.

Consider referral for evaluation of possible amyloidosis in patients with:

Cardiac Indicators

Unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy without hypertension
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and disproportionate wall thickness
Low voltage ECG with increased wall thickness on echocardiogram
Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with cardiomyopathy
Aortic stenosis with suspected infiltrative cardiomyopathy

Nephrology Indicators

Nephrotic-range proteinuria
Unexplained progressive kidney dysfunction
Proteinuria with monoclonal protein

Neurologic Indicators

Progressive peripheral neuropathy
Autonomic dysfunction (orthostasis, GI dysmotility)
Family history of hereditary ATTR

Hematologic Indicators

Monoclonal gammopathy with organ dysfunction
Abnormal serum free light chains

Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Care Model

Patients undergo coordinated evaluation based on suspected organ involvement.

This may include:

Serum and urine testing (light chains, monoclonal proteins)
Cardiac imaging (echocardiography, MRI, PYP nuclear imaging)
Tissue biopsy and amyloid typing
Genetic testing (for suspected ATTR)

Care is structured to:

Establish amyloid type
Assess extent of organ involvement
Initiate disease-specific therapy
Coordinate organ-based management
Provide long-term follow-up

We collaborate closely with referring providers and support shared care models whenever appropriate.

A vertical flowchart outlining the five stages of a patient care pathway, color-coded from blue to green. Referral: An icon of a medical document and a person. Diagnostic Workup: An icon featuring a test tube and a magnifying glass over a document. Multidisciplinary Review: An icon showing three healthcare professionals in clinical attire. Treatment Plan: An icon of a medical clipboard with green checkmarks. Co-Management: An icon of two hands shaking, symbolizing partnership.

Referral Process & Contact Information

Referrals may be made through direct referral via Epic (Cardiology / Hematology / Nephrology / Neurology) or via the specialty-specific contacts below:

Cardiology Referrals

John Hunt, CMA, Advanced Heart Failure Program Lead
Elizabeth Merkle, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cardiovascular Diseases

Clinic: 612-365-5000
Fax: 612-676-5051
After Hours: 612-273-3000

Nephrology Referrals

M Health Fairview Kidney Clinic

Appointments: 612-635-5550
Fax: 612-635-5551

Neurology Referrals

Please contact:

Pamela Sandin
Fax: 612-676-5058
Phone: 612-626-6688

Hematology Referrals

Refer online or by fax

Research and Professional Inquiries: amyloid-umn@umn.edu

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