Key result
Middle Eastern cardiologists show substantial knowledge and practice gaps in diagnosing and managing cardiac amyloidosis.
Why the study?
Diagnosis and management of cardiac amyloidosis are complicated, and significant knowledge disparities were hypothesized among Middle Eastern countries regarding diagnosing, managing, and treating different subtypes.
Cross-Sectional (n=85)
Yes
There are significant knowledge gaps among Middle Eastern cardiologists regarding cardiac amyloidosis, indicating a critical need for targeted medical education and expanded diagnostic resources.
May inform region-specific education programs; leaves open effects on diagnostic accuracy and outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a chronic progressive disease caused by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in cardiac tissues. Diagnosis and management of CA are complicated and have developed over the years. HYPOTHESIS: Middle Eastern countries have significant knowledge disparities in diagnosing, managing, and treating different subtypes of CA. METHODS: An online survey was sent to cardiologists in four countries (Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iraq) interested in heart failure and practicing for more than a year. The survey questioned the characteristics of the participants and their institutions. It addressed their knowledge and practices in CA specifically diagnostic modalities, treatment options, and interest in education and knowledge exchange. RESULTS: A total of 85 physicians participated in the survey. There was a variation in the participating cardiologists' knowledge, experience level, and readiness of their institutes to manage patients with ATTR-CM. Most participants believed that a high rate of ATTR-CM misdiagnosis existed. Participants' knowledge of the diagnostic modalities and "red flags" raising suspicion about ATTR-CM varied. Another challenge was the availability of essential diagnostic modalities among various cardiology centers. A knowledge gap was also observed regarding updates in ATTR-CM management. However, there was a high endorsement of the need for more education, physician networking, and knowledge exchange. CONCLUSIONS: This survey highlighted the need for increasing awareness levels among cardiologists in the four selected Middle Eastern countries. Cardiologists are most likely to benefit from additional training and knowledge exchange on the latest management advances of this disease. Thus, measures must be taken to focus on the physician's awareness of ATTR-CM patient journey to achieve a better quality of care and outcome.
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Mohty et al. (2023) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiac amyloidosis (physician awareness and practices) (n=85). Online survey on cardiac amyloidosis awareness and practices was evaluated on Physician knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding the diagnosis and management of cardiac amyloidosis. Cardiologists in the surveyed Middle Eastern countries demonstrated significant disparities in their knowledge and practices for diagnosing and managing cardiac amyloidosis, highlighting a need for further education.
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