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Secondary systemic amyloid Causes and Risks:
The exact mechanism that causes secondary systemic amyloid is unknown. The risk factors are the presence of chronic inflammatory or infectious diseases. Secondary systemic amyloid occurs in association with multiple myeloma , and chronic conditions (those that last for 5 or more years) such as rheumatoid arthritis , tuberculosis , long term paraplegia, bronchiectasis , cystic fibrosis , chronic osteomyelitis , recurrent pyogenic (involving pus) skin infection/ abscess , decubitus ulcers, chronic renal dialysis , juvenile chronic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus , Reiter's syndrome , ankylosing spondylitis , Hodgkin's disease , Sjogren's syndrome , and hairy cell leukemia .
Symptoms are the same as in primary amyloidosis . The symptoms are related to the organs that become affected with the deposits. The affected organs exhibit reduced function.
The incidence is less than 1 our of 10,000 people. It is very rare in children.
Prevention:
There is no known primary prevention. Secondary prevention includes aggressive treatment and control of diseases known to predispose to the development of amyloid .
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
If specific organ damage is suspected, the testing to confirm amyloidosis of that organ may include a biopsy of an affected tissue or organ that is positive for amyloid ( skin biopsy which includes subcutaneous fat, rectal mucosa biopsy, or bone marrow biopsy are convenient, safe, and likely to be positive).
The physical examination or abdominal ultrasound shows an enlarged liver or spleen.
Cardiac evaluation reveals arrhythmias , abnormal heart sounds , or signs of heart failure : Renal evaluation reveals renal failure or nephrotic syndrome : There may also be an evaluation for carpal tunnel syndrome :
Treatment:
The treatment is that of the underlying condition to prevent progression of the amyloidosis . There is no specific treatment for the amyloid .
Prognosis:
The severity of the disease depends upon the organs that are affected. Heart and kidney involvement may lead to organ failure and death. Systemic involvement is associated with death in 1 to 3 years.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you experience symptoms of this condition. Numbness , weak grip, shortness of breath , swelling , bleeding , and irregular heart rhythm are serious symptoms that require prompt intervention.
Amyloidosis refers to the extracellular deposition of a protein called amyloid. These protein deposits can affect multiple organs. The deposition of amyloid may be a by-product of normal aging, or may be seen with several conditions. In this picture, amyloidosis has produced a patchy appearance.
Amyloidosis refers to the extracellular deposition of a protein called amyloid. This protein deposition can affect multiple organs. The deposition of amyloid may be a by-product of normal aging, or may occur with several other conditions. In this picture, we see how amyloidosis can affect the skin as nodular deposits on the fingers.
Amyloidosis refers to deposits of a protein (called amyloid) in the tissues. This condition can affect multiple organs. The deposition of amyloid may be a by-product of normal aging. In this picture, we see how amyloidosis can cause a patchy, bruised appearance to the skin. Bruises of the skin around the eyes are referred to as the characteristic "pinched purpura".
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