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Definition:
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Hereditary amyloidosis is a condition in which abnormal protein deposits (called amyloid) form in almost every tissue in the body, usually the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. These protein deposits damage the tissues and interfere with how organs work.
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Alternative Names:
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Amyloidosis - hereditary; Familial amyloidosis
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
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Hereditary amyloidosis is passed down from parents to their children (inherited). For more information see: Primary amyloidosis.
Other types of amyloidosis are not inherited. They include:
- Senile systemic, seen in patients older than 70
- 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:
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Treatment:
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A liver treatment may be helpful. Talk to your doctor or nurse about your treatment options.
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References:
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Gertz MA. Amyloidosis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 194.
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