Early detection of heart issues linked to spinal surgery in older patients

Early Diagnosis of Age-Linked CArdiac TransThyRetin Amyloidosis by Selective Screening in Spinal Stenosis Surgery: the Multi-centric ALCATTRASS-study.

Observational AZ Sint-Jan AV · NCT06101108

This study is trying to see if checking for certain heart issues during spinal surgery can help older patients find early signs of a heart condition called ATTR-CM.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAZ Sint-Jan AV Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bruges)
Trial IDNCT06101108 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to track the cardiological follow-up of patients over 60 years old who undergo spinal surgery for symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis. During surgery, tissue samples will be examined for amyloid deposits, which may indicate early signs of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Patients will be monitored for life, with data collected on demographics, medical history, and results from various cardiac examinations. The study seeks to validate a screening strategy for early detection of ATTR-CM in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 60 and older undergoing spinal surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

Not a fit: Patients with a prior diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of ATTR-CM, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach is novel, the study aims to validate a screening strategy that has not been widely implemented yet.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 60 years old
* Lumbar spinal canal stenosis, undergoing spinal surgery
* Westermark grade 3 or 4 ATTR amyloid burden on ligamentum flavum biopsy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis
* Unwilling to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Bruges

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.