Secondary systemic amyloidosis is a disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid deposits.
Secondary means it occurs because of another disease or situation. For example, this condition usually occurs due to long-term (chronic) infection or inflammation. In contrast, primary amyloidosis means there is no other disease that is causing the condition.
Systemic means that the disease affects the entire body.
Alternative Names
Amyloidosis - secondary systemic; AA amyloidosis
Causes
The exact cause of secondary systemic amyloidosis is unknown. You are more likely to develop secondary systemic amyloidosis if you have a long-term infection or inflammation.
This condition may occur with:
Ankylosing spondylitis -- a form of arthritis that mostly affects the bones and joints in the spine
Bronchiectasis -- a disease in which the large airways in the lungs are damaged by chronic infection
Chronic osteomyelitis -- a long-standing bone infection
Cystic fibrosis -- a genetic disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body, leading to chronic infection of the lungs
Familial Mediterranean fever -- an inherited disorder of repeated fevers and inflammation that often affects the lining of the abdomen, chest, or joints
Symptoms of secondary systemic amyloidosis depend on which body tissue is affected by the protein deposits. These deposits damage normal tissues. This may lead to the symptoms or signs of this illness, including:
The condition that is causing the amyloidosis should be treated. In some cases, the drug colchicine or an immunosuppressive drug (medicine that suppresses the immune system) is prescribed.
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well a person does depends on which organs are affected. It also depends on, whether the disease that is causing it can be controlled. If the disease involves the heart and kidneys, it may lead to organ failure and death.
Possible Complications
Health problems that may result from secondary systemic amyloidosis include:
Papa R, Lachmann HJ. Secondary, AA, amyloidosis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2018;44(4):585-603. PMID: 30274625 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30274625/.
Review Date:
4/18/2023
Reviewed By:
John Roberts, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Pediatrics, Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.