Reference Center for Amyloidosis

Clinical practice

Patients with various types of amyloidosis are examined and treated at Reference Center for Amyloidosis.
RCA is an integral service of the VUL SK that has close links with other centers and structural units. This ensures access to the most advanced diagnostic technologies and methods of treatment. The center cooperates with National Center of Pathology (NCP) and Vilnius University (VU) Institute of Biochemistry in order to ensure the availability of all necessary diagnostic technologies to patients. RCA uses the most advanced diagnostic methods in Lithuania. Immunohistochemical analysis is performed to identify amyloid. NCP is performing immunohistochemical analysis to identify amyloid. In particularly complex cases, amyloid laser microdissection is performed by NCP and the sample is sent to the laboratory of VU Institute of Biochemistry, where mass spectrometry could be performed. VUL SK HOTC Laboratory of Molecular and Regenerative Medicine Department performs genetic diagnostics of hereditary amyloidosis using polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing techniques. Multiparametric flow cytometry analysis of plasma cell subpopulations for the diagnosis of light chain amyloidosis could be performed in the VUL SK Laboratory of Hematology and General Cytology. Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Center of VUL SK performs all necessary radiological examinations, including cardiac and skeletal magnetic resonance imaging.
Department of General Hematology of VUL SK provides all types of chemotherapy. The bone marrow transplantation department performs hematopoietic stem cell transplantations. Patients are provided with all the necessary specialist consultations at the VUL SK Consulting Polyclinic. If critical conditions develop during treatment, patients are treated in the Intensive Care Unit. Systematic collection and analysis of patient data is essential for the provision of services to patients with rare diseases, the assessment of treatment outcomes and pooling of experience. RCA has developed a database of patients with amyloidosis which is an integral part of the HOTC Hematology Monitoring System (HESS). This database contains information on patient demographics, diagnosis, important tests performed, treatment applied, and treatment outcomes. This database with the consent of the patients collects information on patient demographics, diagnosis, important tests performed, treatment applied, and treatment outcomes.

Training

Center organized training events for specialists in 2010-2015.

Cooperation

Because amyloidosis is a very rare disease with potential damage to various organs and organ systems, for accurate diagnosis and treatment require rare and sophisticated technologies and experienced professionals. Specialized multidisciplinary care for patients with amyloidosis has not been provided in Lithuania until now. RCA has a team of specialists, as well as diagnostic technologies available, which allows for the provision of full-fledged specialized care. RCA cooperates with all Lithuanian medical institutions and accepts patients with suspected or established amyloidosis for specialized examination and treatment. Information about the Amyloidosis Center is disseminated through medical associations. Specialists of the center cooperate with the International Society of Amyloidosis (ISA) and participates in international conferences organized by ISA since 2012.