Hereditary amyloidosis
Key points
- Amyloidosis is a type of disease in which an abnormal protein deposits in various tissues.
- These protein deposits damage the tissues and interfere with the function of the involved organ.
- The abnormal protein deposits are called amyloid, hence the name of this group of diseases.
- Amyloidosis occurs in multiple forms: spontaneous, hereditary, and resulting from a cancer of the blood cells called myeloma.
Alternative names
Amyloidosis - hereditary
Definition
Amyloidosis is a type of disease in which an abnormal protein deposits in various tissues. These protein deposits damage the tissues and interfere with the function of the involved organ. The abnormal protein deposits are called amyloid, hence the name of this group of diseases.
Amyloidosis occurs in multiple forms: spontaneous, hereditary, and resulting from a cancer of the blood cells called myeloma. Hereditary amyloidosis is an inherited form that is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.