Leen Albalbeesi

Ms. Leen Albalbeesi

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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3 July 2026 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ADAfnan M. F. Darwesh
Afnan M. F. Darwesh
LALeen Albalbeesi
Leen Albalbeesi
ABArwa S. Bahlas
Arwa S. Bahlas
JAJana Yasser Alkhambashi
Jana Yasser Alkhambashi
WAWIAM Mansour ALGERAIGRI
WIAM Mansour ALGERAIGRI
FAFahad M. Almutairi
Fahad M. Almutairi
Background/Objectives: Early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is crucial to improve patient outcomes. Although 99mTc-MDP is less sensitive than other bone-avid tracers for detecting ATTR-CA, it is widely used for routine bone imaging in this region. Incidental cardiac uptake on 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy may therefore offer a practical opportunity for identifying suspected ATTR-CA in resource-limited settings. To evaluate incidental cardiac uptake, warranting further evaluation for ATTR-CA on routine 99mTc-MDP bone scans as an incidental flag method for patients who require further evaluation and to propose a referral pathway in resource-limited settings. Methods: A retrospective review of 229 patients was performed. The assessment of myocardial uptake was performed using the Perugini visual score and H/CL ratio analysis. Patients’ medical records were reviewed, and available cardiac imaging reports were evaluated for further assessment of cardiac involvement. Results: Nine patients demonstrated a Perugini score = 2; of these, five underwent echocardiography, demonstrating abnormalities that may indicate amyloid involvement. No patient had confirmatory ATTR-CA testing, AL-CA exclusion testing, (CMR), biopsy, or amyloid typing. In patients without prior cardiac disease, echocardiographic abnormalities may potentially represent subclinical disease, such as cardiac amyloidosis, though this requires further confirmation. In patients with HTN or diabetes, the echocardiographic changes may be attributed to the underlying conditions. Echocardiographic characteristics suggestive, but not specific, for cardiac amyloidosis were observed in patients selected based on positive 99mTc-MDP uptake. Conclusions: Incidental cardiac uptake with a Perugini score ≥ 2 can highlight patients for ATTR-CA investigation. These results provide preliminary evidence that incidental 99mTc-MDP cardiac uptake can flag patients who require further evaluation for ATTR-CA and support the implementation of a referral pathway from local evaluation to a specialized center.