Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis is a condition where there is deposition of microscopic strands of a substance named amyloid in the extracellular space (i.e. the space between cells) of many tissues. It may be primary, as in an inherited form, or secondary to a chronic disease process - particularly rheumatoid arthritis or tuberculosis. It may be localised, affecting the skin or the brain, or generalised and affecting many tissues. The amyloid deposits affect the functioning of the tissues into which they are deposited - and so in the kidney they cause nephrotic syndrome and renal failure (see the kidney and urinary tract section) while in the brain they are associated with development of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The diagnosis of amyloidosis is made on the basis of examination of a biopsy of tissue is thought be affected - and in generalised amyloidosis the usual site is the rectum. There is no treatment for amyloidosis, but in secondary amyloidosis symptoms may improve on treatment of the underlying cause.
|
