amyloidosis
Amyloidosis is a rare disease in which a substance called amyloid accumulates in human organs Amyloid is an abnormal protein that forms primarily in the bone marrow and can be deposited on any tissue or organ.
Amyloidosis can affect different organs in different people There are several types of amyloid Amyloidosis severely affects the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous and digestive systems. Severe amyloidosis can lead to a life-threatening condition Amyloidosis cannot be cured However, there are treatments that help patients symptomatically and prevent excessive production of amyloid protein
Amyloidosis is usually caused by the accumulation of the abnormal protein amyloid in the body Amyloid is formed in the bone marrow and can be located in any tissue or organ The cause of the condition depends on which type of amyloidosis the patient has
Types of amyloidosis: - Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis - the most common form of amyloidosis that affects the heart, kidneys, skin, nerves and liver This disease was previously called primary amyloidosis This disease occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal antibodies that the body has trouble breaking down. These antibodies build up in tissues as amyloid and prevent them from functioning normally
- Amyloidosis type AA mainly affects the kidneys, although the disease sometimes affects the digestive system, liver and heart. This form of amyloidosis was previously called secondary amyloidosis This disease accompanies some chronic infectious or inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or irritable bowel syndrome.
- Congenital amyloidosis is an inherited disease and often affects the liver, nerves, heart and kidneys. One type is caused by amyloid (transthyretin amyloid), which can damage the nervous system and heart. African-Americans are more prone to this disease than whites This disease is a common cause of heart failure in African Americans
Dialysis-related amyloidosis occurs when proteins in the blood build up in joints and tendons, causing pain, tearing, joint fluid, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This form of amyloidosis mainly occurs in patients who are on dialysis for a long time
Until the late stages of the pathology, the patient may not have any symptoms at all When the symptoms are present, it means that the organs are already damaged
Symptoms and signs of amyloidosis:
- Swelling of the feet and ankles
- Frequent fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Burning, tingling or pain in the hands and feet, especially in the wrists
