Hereditary amyloidosis is a condition in which abnormal protein deposits (called amyloid) form in almost every tissue in the body. These protein deposits damage the tissues and interfere with the function of the involved organs.

Amyloidosis - hereditary

Hereditary amyloidosis is passed down from parents to their children (inherited). For more information see: Primary amyloidosis.

Other types of amyloidosis, which are not inherited, may be:

• 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:

• Cardiac amyloidosis
• Cerebral amyloidosis
• Secondary systemic amyloidosis

Images

Amyloidosis on the fingers

Review Date: 02/07/2010
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)