Amyloidosis: Introduction
Amyloidosis is a group of incompletely understood metabolic disorders resulting from the insidious deposition of protein containing fibrins (amyloid) in tissues. The disease may cause localized or widespread organ failure. Amyloid may infiltrate many organs, including the heart and blood vessels, brain and peripheral nerves, kidneys, liver, spleen, skin, endocrine glands, or intestines. As a result, the clinical manifestations of amyloidosis are enormously varied, and the disease may mimic many other conditions ranging from nephritic syndrome (when kidneys are infiltrated) to dementias (brain involvement) or congestive heart failure (myocardial deposition). Amyloidosis of the tongue may cause this organ to become markedly enlarged, interfering with speech or swallowing. Amyloid infiltration of the endocrine glands can cause pituitary, thyroid, or pancreatic dysfunction, among others.