Secondary systemic amyloid

Definition

Secondary systemic amyloid is a disorder in which insoluble protein fibers become deposited in tissues and organs impairing their function. It is found in association with chronic infection or chronic inflammatory disease.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The exact mechanism that causes secondary systemic amyloid is unknown. The risk factors are the presence of chronic inflammatory or infectious diseases. Secondary systemic amyloid occurs in association with Multiple Myeloma, and chronic conditions (those that last for 5 or more years) such as: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tuberculosis, long term paraplegia, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, chronic osteomyelitis, recurrent pyogenic (involving pus) skin infection/abscess, decubitus ulcers, chronic renaldialysis, juvenile chronic arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Reiter's syndrome, Ankylosing spondylitis, Hodgkin's disease, Sjogren's syndrome, and hairy cell leukemia.

Symptoms are the same as in Primary amyloidosis. The symptoms are related to the organs that become affected with the deposits. The affected organs exhibit reduced function.

Symptoms

• Fatigue
  
• Numbness of hands and feet
  
• Weak hand grip
  
• Weight loss
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Swelling of the extremities
  
• Swallowing difficulties
  
• Irregular heart rhythm
  
• Bleeding in the skin
  
• Enlarged tongue
  

Signs and tests
If specific organ damage is suspected, the testing to confirm amyloidosis of that organ may include a biopsy of an affected tissue or organ that is positive for amyloid. Other tests may include: a skin biopsy of subcutaneous fat, a rectal mucosa biopsy, or a bone marrow biopsy. All of these tests are convenient, safe, and likely to be positive for confirmation of the disease.

The physical examination or Abdominal ultrasound shows an or spleen.