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Secondary systemic amyloidosis

Amyloidosis - secondary systemic; AA amyloidosis

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.

Images

Amyloidosis of the fingers
Amyloidosis of the face
Antibodies

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:

Symptoms

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:

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms.

Tests that may be done include:

Treatment

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:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of this condition. The following are serious symptoms that need prompt medical attention:

Prevention

If you have a disease that is known to increase your risk for this condition, make sure you get it treated. This may help prevent amyloidosis.

Related Information

Chronic
Multiple myeloma
Rheumatoid arthritis
Pulmonary tuberculosis
Bronchiectasis
Cystic fibrosis
Osteomyelitis
Abscess
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Reactive arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Hodgkin lymphoma
Sjogren syndrome
Hairy cell leukemia
Primary amyloidosis
Heart failure
Acute kidney failure
Endocrine glands
Respiratory

References

Gertz MA. Amyloidosis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 179.

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/.

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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.

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