amyloidosis
infiltration of the liver, kidneys, spleen, and other tissues with amyloid, a starchlike substance. In primary amyloidosis the disorder arises without any apparent cause; secondary amyloidosis occurs as a late complication of such chronic infections as tuberculosis or leprosy and also in HODGKIN's DISEASE . Amyloidosis is also very common in the genetic disease familial Mediterranean fever ( see POLYSEROSITIS ).
Amyloidosis occurs when abnormal proteins called amyloids build up and form deposits. The deposits can collect in organs such as the kidney and heart. This can cause the organs to become stiff and unable to work the way they should.
There are three main types of amyloidosis:
- Primary - with no known cause
- Secondary - caused by another disease, including some types of cancer
- Familial - passed down through genes
Symptoms can vary, depending upon which organs are affected. Treatment depends on the type of amyloidosis you have. The goal is to help with symptoms and limit the production of proteins. If another disease is the cause, it needs to be treated.
amyloidosis