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 deposits.

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:

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

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.

Symptoms include:

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

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:

Exams and Tests

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:

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

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.

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)

How severe the disease is depends on the organs that are affected. When the heart and kidney are involved, it may lead to organ failure and death. Body-wide ( systemic) involvement can lead to death in 1 to 3 years.

Possible Complications

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

  • You have symptoms of primary amyloidosis
  • You know you have primary amyloidosis and you have difficulty breathing, persistent swelling of the ankles or other areas, decreased urine output, or other symptoms that may indicate complications have developed

Prevention

There is no known prevention for primary amyloidosis.

Alternative Names

Amyloid - primary

References

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

Gertz MA, Lacy MQ, Dispenzieri A, Hayman SR. Immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (primary amyloidosis). In: Hoffman R, Benz Jr. EJ, Shattil SJ, et al., eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philladelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingston; 2008:chap 89.

Update Date: 2/20/2012

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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