Primary amyloidosis

Amyloidosis on the fingers

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.

Also known as: Amyloid - primary

Definition

Primary amyloidosis is a disorder in which protein fibers are deposited in tissues and organs, harming them.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of primary amyloidosis is unknown, but the condition is related to abnormal production of antibodies by a type of immune cell called plasma cells.

The 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, spleen, and kidneys.

Primary amyloidosis can result in conditions that include:

The deposits build up in the affected organs, causing them to become stiff, which decreases their ability to function.

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

Symptoms

  • Enlarged tongue
  • Fatigue
  • Irregular heart rhythm
  • Numbness of hands and feet
  • Shortness of breath
  • Skin changes
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Swelling in the arms and legs
  • Weak hand grip
  • Weight loss

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Signs and tests

Your doctor may discover that you have an enlarged liver or spleen.

If specific organ damage is suspected, your doctor may order tests to confirm amyloidosis of that organ. For example:

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

Treatment

Some patients with primary amyloidosis respond to chemotherapy directed at the abnormal plasma cells. Stem cell transplantation may be used, as in multiple myeloma.

In secondary amyloidosis, aggressive treatment of the underlying disease can improve symptoms and/or slow progression of disease. Complications such as heart failure, kidney failure, and other problems can sometimes be treated as necessary.

Expectations (prognosis)

The severity of the disease depends upon the organs affected. Heart and kidney involvement may lead to organ failure and death. Systemic involvement is associated with death within 1 to 3 years.

Complications

  • Congestive heart failure
  • Death
  • Endocrine failure (hormonal disorder)
  • Kidney failure
  • Respiratory failure

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms consistent with primary amyloidosis develop.

If you know you have primary amyloidosis, call your health care provider if difficulty breathing, persistent swelling of the ankles or other areas, decreased urine output, or other symptoms occur. This may indicate that complications have developed.

Prevention

There is no known prevention.

References

Buxbaum JN. The Amyloidoses. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.

Hoffman R, Benz Jr. EJ, Shattil SJ, et al., eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philladelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingston; 2005:1540-48.

See also:

  • Disease

    Malabsorption

    Digestive system

    Malabsorption is difficulty absorbing nutrients from food.

  • Disease

    Acute kidney failure

    Kidney anatomy

    Acute (sudden) kidney failure is the sudden loss of the ability of the kidneys to remove waste and concentrate urine without losing .

  • Disease

    Cardiomyopathy

    Heart, section through the middle

    Cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the heart muscle or a change in heart muscle structure. It is often associated with inadequate heart pumping or other heart function problems.

  • Special Topic

    Endocrine glands

    Endocrine glands

    Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream. Endocrine glands include the: Adrenal Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas Ovaries Parathyroid Pineal Pituitary Thyroid

  • Disease

    Carpal tunnel syndrome

    Carpal tunnel syndrome

    Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve — the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. It can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers. See also:

  • Special Topic

    Respiratory

    Lungs

    The words “respiratory” and “respiration” refer to the lungs and breathing. Related topics:

Review date:
February 23, 2009
Reviewed by:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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