Amyloidosis is a series of diseases characterized by an abnormally formed amyloid protein. There are several types of amyloidosis, each with their own causes and risk factors. More are being discovered all the time by researchers. Here is a look at the differences and similarities between the more common types of amyloidosis.
AL Amyloidosis
AL amyloidosis is the most common type of the condition. It occurs in response to a chronic illness. According to the Amyloidosis Foundation, the most commonly associated chronic diseases are rheumatological, gastrointestinal, and inflammatory, as well as certain hereditary diseases, hematological malignancies, and chronic infections. Symptoms include weight loss, swelling of the legs (edema), high cholesterol, weakness, autonomic neuropathy (damage to the nerves that causes difficulty with automatic bodily functions), gastrointestinal problems, and eventually heart problems.
AA Amyloidosis
AA amyloidosis is the result of a bone marrow disorder. Normally, the bone marrow produces cells that help fight infections. These plasma cells then produce immunoglobulin, a protein antibody with a similar responsibility. When AA amyloidosis is present, immunoglobulins form incorrectly and are then sent around the body where they build up in various tissues. Symptoms differ across the board, since AA shows up differently in each patient. The Amyloidosis Foundation states that “fatigue, weight loss, and swelling are the most common;” further symptoms are largely dependent upon which areas of the body are most damaged and affected by the amyloid buildup.
Hereditary Amyloidosis
Hereditary amyloidosis is caused by the inheritance of a mutated gene that creates a abnormal amyloid protein, and each family presents a different pattern of affected areas and symptoms. There are more than a hundred different variations of the two main types of inherited amyloidosis (types ATTR and non-TTR). Many different systems in the body may exhibit symptoms when ATTR type is present, from cardiomyopathy (a hardening of the heart) to neuropathy. The gastrointestinal tract and kidneys are also common exhibitors of ATTR; carpal tunnel syndrome may be a possible sign if amyloidosis is present in family medical history. Non-TTR hereditary amyloidosis’ symptoms are also wildly differing from patient to patient or family to family, although neuropathy is a common symptom.
Wild-Type Amyloidosis
Wild-type amyloidosis presents almost exclusively in men over age 80. The Amyloidosis Foundation explains that the natural form of the transthyretin protein naturally produces an amyloid protein that cause significant damage to the heart. Because heart disease is so common in older men, amyloidosis diagnosis is often overlooked. Cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, abnormal heart beats, edema, difficulty breathing, carpal tunnel syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy may be evident.
