Abdominal Fat Pad Fine‐Needle Aspiration for the Diagnosis of Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Technical Note With Illustrative Images

Introduction Cardiac amyloidosis is a restrictive cardiomyopathy caused by extracellular deposition of misfolded proteins. Abdominal fat pad fine‐needle aspiration (FPFNA) has been described as a minimally invasive diagnostic tool for systemic and cardiac amyloidosis. Methods We present a step‐by‐step description of the aspiration technique, including sample handling, Congo red staining under polarized light, accompanied by illustrative images. Conclusion Abdominal fat pad FPFNA is a simple, inexpensive, and safe procedure. According to published data, it offers moderate to high sensitivity, especially in advanced disease, and can reduce the need for more invasive biopsies.