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What is amyloidosis?

Définition

Amyloidosis is an illness characterised by the accumulation of insoluble fibrous proteins in different tissues, which gradually alters these tissues’ structure and function. The type of amyloidosis depends on the biochemistry of the protein in the amyloid and on the clinical signs observed.
Amyloidosis is an illness characterised by the accumulation of insoluble fibrous proteins in different tissues, which gradually alters these tissues’ structure and function. The type of amyloidosis depends on the biochemistry of the protein in the amyloid and on the clinical signs observed.
Diagram of proteins
The main types of amyloidosis are:
  • AL Amyloidosis of the blood (caused by deposits of antibodies aka immunoglobulins)
  • Hereditary Amyloidosis (mainly TTR amyloidosis)
  • AA Amyloidosis (rare and caused by deposits of inflamed proteins)
The parts of the body which are affected also vary depending on the type of amyloidosis. Effects are mainly cardiological, neurological (peripheral nerves) and renal. Other organs can be affected but this is rare (the tongue, saliva glands, joints and intestines, etc.). Care is often interdisciplinary because amyloidosis is a systemic illness. Different specialists are needed (neurologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, haematologists) to achieve an accurate diagnosis and to adapt treatments to each patient’s needs.