Amyloidosis is a disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid deposits.

1. Fitango Education
Health Topics
Amyloidosis
http://www.fitango.com/categories.php?id=328

2. Overview
Amyloidosis is a disorder in which abnormal
proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of
the abnormal proteins are called amyloid deposits.
1

3. Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the organs affected by the
deposits. These organs can include the
tongue, intestines, skeletal and smooth
muscles, nerves, skin, ligaments, heart, liver, splee
n, and kidneys.
Symptoms include:
-- Abnormal heart rhythm
2

4. Symptoms
-- Enlarged tongue
-- Fatigue
-- Numbness of hands and feet
-- Shortness of breath
-- Skin changes
-- Swallowing problems
3

5. Symptoms
-- Swelling in the arms and legs
-- Weak hand grip
-- Weight loss
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
-- Decreased urine output
4

6. Symptoms
-- Diarrhea
-- Hoarseness or changing voice
-- Joint pain
-- Weakness
5

7. Diagnosis
Your doctor may discover that you have an
enlarged liver or spleen.
If organ damage is suspected, your doctor may
order tests to confirm amyloidosis of that organ.
For example:
-- Abdominal ultrasound may reveal a swollen liver
or spleen.
6

8. Diagnosis
-- An abdominal fat pad aspiration, rectal mucosa
biopsy, or bone marrow biopsy can help confirm
the diagnosis.
-- A heart evaluation, including an ECG, may reveal
arrhythmias, abnormal heart sounds, or signs of
congestive heart failure.
-- An echocardiogram shows poor motion of the
heart wall, due to a stiff heart muscle.
7

9. Diagnosis
-- A carpal tunnel syndrome evaluation may show
that hand grips are weak. -Nerve conduction
velocity shows abnormalities.
-- Kidney function tests may show signs of kidney
failure or too much protein in the urine (nephrotic
syndrome).
-- BUN level is increased.
8

10. Diagnosis
-- Serum creatinine is increased.
-- Urinalysis shows protein, casts, or fat bodies.
This disease may also affect the results of the
following tests:
-- Bence-Jones protein (quantitative)
9

11. Diagnosis
-- Carpal tunnel biopsy
-- Gum biopsy
-- Immunoelectrophoresis - serum
-- Myocardial biopsy
-- Nerve biopsy
10

12. Diagnosis
-- Quantitative immunoglobulins
-- Tongue biopsy
-- Urine protein
11

13. Treatment
Some patients with primary amyloidosis respond
to chemotherapy focused on the abnormal plasma
cells. A stem cell transplant may be done, as in
multiple myeloma.
12

14. Treatment
In secondary amyloidosis, aggressively treating the
disease that is causing the excess amyloid protein
can improve symptoms and/or slow the disease
from getting worse. Complications such as heart
failure, kidney failure, and other problems can
sometimes be treated, when needed.
13

15. Causes
The cause of primary amyloidosis is unknown. The
condition is related to abnormal and excess
production of antibodies by a type of immune cell
called plasma cells.
Primary amyloidosis can lead to conditions that
include:
-- Carpal tunnel syndrome
14

16. Causes
-- Heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy) leading
to congestive heart failure
-- Intestinal malabsorption
-- Liver enlargement
-- Kidney failure
-- Nephrotic syndrome
15

17. Causes
-- Neuropathy (nerves that do not work properly)
-- Orthostatic hypotension (abnormal drop in
blood pressure with standing)
The deposits build up in the affected
organs, causing them to become stiff, which
decreases their ability to function.
16

18. Causes
Risk factors have not been identified. Primary
amyloidosis is rare. It is similar to multiple
myeloma, and is treated the same way.
17

19. Additional Resources
Medline Plus
National Institutes of Health
The Amyloidosis Foundation
18