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Primary Amyloidosis
Alternate Names : Amyloid - Primary
DefinitionPrimary amyloidosis is a disorder in which insoluble protein fibers are deposited in tissues and organs, impairing their function.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The cause of primary amyloidosis is unknown, but the condition is related to abnormal production of immunoglobulins by a type of immune cell called plasma cells.
The symptoms depend on the organs affected by the deposits, which can include the tongue, intestines, skeletal and smooth muscles, nerves, skin, ligaments, heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys.
This can result in the following conditions:
The deposits infiltrate the affected organs, causing them to lose resilience and become stiff, which decreases their ability to function. Secondary amyloidosis can be caused by infection, inflammatory diseases, and sometimes cancer.
Risk factors have not been identified. Primary amyloidosis is rare. It is related to the malignant plasma cell disorder multiple myeloma.
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• Definition
• Primary Amyloidosis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Primary Amyloidosis Symptoms & Signs
• Primary Amyloidosis Prevention
• Primary Amyloidosis Diagnosis & Tests
• Primary Amyloidosis Treatment
• Primary Amyloidosis Prognosis
• Primary Amyloidosis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acute Kidney Failure
• Arrhythmias
• Cardiomyopathy
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Heart Failure
• Malabsorption
• Nephrotic Syndrome
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal Ultrasound
• Bence-Jones Protein - Quantitative
• Biopsy
• Bone Marrow Biopsy
• BUN
• Carpal Tunnel Biopsy
• Creatinine - Serum
• ECG
• Echocardiogram
• Gum Biopsy
• Immunoelectrophoresis - Serum
• Myocardial Biopsy
• Nerve Biopsy
• Nerve Conduction Velocity
• Quantitative Immunoglobulins - Nephelometry
• Tongue Biopsy
• Urinalysis
Other Topics
• Endocrine
• Heart Murmurs and Other Sounds
• Hepatomegaly
• Hoarseness or Changing Voice
• Joint Pain
• Mucosa
• Renal
• Respiratory
• Subcutaneous
• Swallowing Difficulty
• Systemic
• Tongue Problems
• Urine Output - Decreased
Review Date : 9/14/2003
Reviewed By : Corey Cutler, M.D., M.P.H. F.R.C.P.C., Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Instructor in Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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