Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is the accumulation of a protein called amyloid in organs such as kidney, heart, liver. There are different types of amyloid. It is often caused by a disease such as familial Mediterranean fever, chronic bronchitis. However, chronic inflammatory diseases, rheumatic diseases, some cancers can also cause amyloidosis.



If the kidney is affected, it can cause loss of protein in urine and renal failure. Biopsy is required for diagnosis of amyloidosis. The course of the disease depends on the type of amyloid accumulating, the organ involved and the degree of organ damage. Treatment depends on the underlying disease.