ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Hereditary amyloidosis

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Hereditary amyloidosis

Definition

Hereditary amyloidosis is a condition in which abnormal protein deposits (called amyloid) form in almost every tissue in the body. These protein deposits damage the tissues and interfere with the function of the involved organs.

Alternative Names

Amyloidosis - hereditary

Causes

Hereditary amyloidosis is passed down from parents to their children (inherited).

Other types of amyloidosis may be:

Spontaneous, which means it occurs without a known cause
Secondary, which means it results from diseases such as cancer of the blood cells (myeloma)

For further information, see the specific type:


Amyloidosis on the fingers

Review Date: 2/5/2008
Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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