The Intercompany Center for Innovation and Research for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiomyopathies, which unites the Careggi University Hospital Trust and the Meyer University Hospital Trust of Florence, today represents a reality of excellence in the Italian and international panorama for the study and treatment of cardiac muscle pathologies. The 2024 yearbook of the Center, directed by prof. Jacopo Olivotto, coordinator and international reference figure in the field of cardiomyopathies, shows a year of extraordinary growth and consolidation. Under his guidance, the Center has strengthened its role as a point of reference for diagnosis, treatment and research in this important sector of cardiology.

2024 was marked by important changes in terms of personnel and research activities. The Centre welcomed prominent figures such as Prof. Maurizio Pieroni, expert in genetic cardiomyopathies, channelopathies and inflammatory diseases of the myocardium, and Prof. Francesco Cappelli, an internationally recognized authority in the field of amyloidosis. Particularly significant was the creation of a new cardioimmunology program, led by Prof. Pieroni, who works in close connection with other medical specialties, such as Clinical Immunology and General Pathology, addressing inflammatory and immune-mediated cardiac pathologies with an innovative multidisciplinary approach.

During 2024, the Center confirmed its leading role in numerous international clinical trials, focused on the main cardiomyopathies such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and amyloidosis. A particularly significant milestone was the start of gene therapy trials, both at Meyer for Danon disease and at Careggi for transthyretin amyloidosis, opening new therapeutic frontiers for pathologies that until recently were considered intractable.

The volume and quality of scientific production testify to the liveliness of the Center, with over 90 works reported on Pubmed in 2024, including two studies published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. The yearbook also documents the intense commitment to teaching activities, with two Post-Graduate Specialization Courses on cardiomyopathies and imaging of pediatric congenital heart disease, in addition to the organization of symposiums and specialist masterclasses.

In this context of clinical and scientific excellence, the collaboration with AICARM (Italian Cardiomyopathy Association), chaired by Prof., stands out. Frank Cecchi. The association, which provides support to patients and their families, promotes the training and dissemination of scientifically correct information and supports research on cardiomyopathies, has proven to be a valuable partner in the patient care path. It is important to underline the dual presence of Prof. Pieroni who, in addition to his role in the Cardiomyopathy Center, also holds the prestigious position of President of the Scientific Committee of AICARM. This dual role further strengthens the link between the clinical-scientific and associative fields, ensuring a consistent and high-level approach in favor of patients.

Thanks to the “Cuori in Ascolto” service, AICARM managed over 2024 contacts in 420, offering listening, advice and support to those who have received a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy and their families. The “Courses for patients experienced in hereditary myocardial diseases”, organized in various Italian cities, involved a total of over 400 people, helping to train aware and proactive patients in managing their condition. AICARM is also committed to spreading the culture of prevention and resuscitation techniques, with initiatives such as the “Comunità Cardioprotetta” project, aimed at improving the response to cardiac emergencies in the area.

The Center and AICARM also collaborated in drafting the first “Report on cardiomyopathies in Italy” (Cardiomyopathies Matter), presented to the Senate and the European Parliament, proposing a roadmap to improve early diagnosis, integrated care and training in the field of cardiomyopathies.

In the conclusions of the yearbook, Prof. Olivotto extends heartfelt thanks to all the collaborators, doctors, nurses, biologists, and all the staff of the Center, emphasizing how their dedication has allowed us to offer patients a place of "care" in the broadest sense of the term. Special thanks go to the patients and their families, who with their courage and their trust contribute every day to the progress of knowledge and treatments in this field.