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Hereditary amyloidosis
Amyloidosis - hereditary; Familial amyloidosis
Hereditary amyloidosis is a condition in which abnormal protein deposits (called amyloid) form in almost every tissue in the body. Deposits most often form in the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. These protein deposits damage the tissues and interfere with how organs work.
Protein
Proteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. ...
Causes
Hereditary amyloidosis is passed down from parents to their children (inherited). Genes may also play a role in primary amyloidosis .
Primary amyloidosis
Primary amyloidosis is a disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid depo...
Other types of amyloidosis are not inherited. They include:
- Senile systemic: seen in people older than 70
- Spontaneous: occurs without a known cause
- Secondary: results from diseases such as cancer of the blood cells (myeloma)
Specific conditions include:
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Cardiac amyloidosis
Cardiac amyloidosis
Cardiac amyloidosis is a disorder caused by deposits of an abnormal protein (amyloid) in the heart tissue. These deposits make it hard for the heart...
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Cerebral amyloidosis
Cerebral amyloidosis
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a condition in which proteins called amyloid build up on the walls of the arteries in the brain. CAA increases ...
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Secondary systemic amyloidosis
Secondary systemic amyloidosis
Secondary systemic amyloidosis is a disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called a...
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Treatment
A liver transplant may be helpful. Talk to your health care provider about treatments.
References
Ferri FF. Amyloidosis. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2016 . Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2016:e2-105.e5.
Gertz MA. Amyloidosis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 188.
Seldin DC, Skinner M. Amyloidosis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 116.
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Amyloidosis on the fingers - illustration
Amyloidosis refers to the extracellular deposition of a protein called amyloid. This protein deposition can affect multiple organs. The deposition of amyloid may be a by-product of normal aging, or may occur with several other conditions. In this picture, we see how amyloidosis can affect the skin as nodular deposits on the fingers.
Amyloidosis on the fingers
illustration
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Amyloidosis on the fingers - illustration
Amyloidosis refers to the extracellular deposition of a protein called amyloid. This protein deposition can affect multiple organs. The deposition of amyloid may be a by-product of normal aging, or may occur with several other conditions. In this picture, we see how amyloidosis can affect the skin as nodular deposits on the fingers.
Amyloidosis on the fingers
illustration
Review Date: 10/27/2015
Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, FACMG, Fullerton Genetics Center, Asheville, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
