Amyloidosis (cont.)Medical Author:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Medical Editor:
Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP
Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEPDr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident. In this Article
 What causes amyloidosis?Amyloidosis is caused by changes in proteins that make them insoluble, resulting in deposition in organs and tissues. These amyloid proteins accumulate mainly in the tissue space between cells. What are risk factors for amyloidosis?Risk factors for the inherited forms of amyloidosis are being genetically related to an ancestor with the disease. The risk factors for secondary amyloidosis are the underlying inflammatory medical conditions. What are amyloidosis symptoms and signs?
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Symptoms in patients with amyloidosis result from abnormal functioning of the particular organs involved. The heart, kidneys, liver, bowels, skin, nerves, joints, and lungs can be affected. As a result, symptoms are vague and can include fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, lack of appetite, numbness, tingling, weakness, enlarged tongue, and swelling. Amyloidosis in these organs leads to cardiomyopathy and heart failure, peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, malabsorption, diarrhea, and liver damage. Amyloidosis affecting the kidney leads to "nephrotic syndrome," which is characterized by severe loss of protein in the urine and swelling of the extremities. Reviewed by Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP on 10/10/2012 Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Amyloidosis - Symptoms
Question: What symptoms did you experience with amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis - Other Illnesses
Question: Please describe any other illnesses you have suffered in addition to amyloidosis.
Amyloidosis - Treatment
Question: What kinds of treatment, including chemotherapy, have you received for amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis - Complications
Question: Describe the complications of amyloidosis experienced by you or someone you know.
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