Final answer:
Medical imaging techniques such as PET scans using radiopharmaceuticals like Pittsburgh compound B and MRI with contrast agents are used for the diagnosis and subtype differentiation of cardiac amyloidosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to medical imaging techniques used to distinguish between subtypes of cardiac amyloid, a condition characterized by the deposit of amyloid proteins in the heart tissues. Radiopharmaceuticals are a key component in the diagnosis of various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, as described in the provided figures and information. To distinguish cardiac amyloids, imaging techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans using specific compounds like Pittsburgh compound B can be applied. This compound attaches to amyloid plaques and its concentration can be visualized, allowing for differentiation between various forms of amyloidosis based on the plaque distribution and density.
Another imaging technique mentioned is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) where a contrast agent can be used to alter the magnetic properties of water in cells, resulting in detailed images of soft tissues including those in the heart. Utilizing radiopharmaceuticals that bind to different amyloid proteins can give insights into not just the presence of amyloidosis, but potentially its subtype as well. Moreover, techniques that capture antigen-antibody complexes can also contribute to disease diagnosis.