The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Amyloidosis

Systemic disease in which abnormal protein (amyloid) deposits cause organ damage.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Amyloidosis?

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases characterized by misfolding of normally soluble proteins and their deposition in tissues as insoluble amyloid fibrils. AL amyloidosis (light chain), AA amyloidosis (secondary), and ATTR amyloidosis (transthyretin) are the most common types.

AL amyloidosis is associated with plasma cell dyscrasia and may involve the heart, kidney, nervous system, and soft tissues. AA amyloidosis develops on the background of chronic inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, FMF) due to deposition of serum amyloid A protein.

Diagnosis is established by tissue biopsy showing amyloid deposits with Congo red staining and apple-green birefringence under polarized light. Treatment differs according to amyloid type.

Symptoms

Fatigue and weight loss
Nephrotic syndrome (proteinuria, edema)
Heart failure findings (shortness of breath, leg swelling)
Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling)
Macroglossia (enlarged tongue — in AL amyloidosis)
Purpura (especially around the eyes — in AL amyloidosis)

Risk Factors

Chronic inflammatory diseases (for AA amyloidosis)
Monoclonal gammopathy or multiple myeloma (for AL amyloidosis)
Advanced age (for ATTR amyloidosis)
Familial Mediterranean fever (risk for AA amyloidosis)
TTR gene mutations (hereditary ATTR)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When unexplained kidney failure or nephrotic syndrome develops
  • When heart failure is detected with thickened heart wall that cannot be explained
  • When the cause of peripheral neuropathy cannot be found
  • When tongue enlargement or bruising around the eyes is noticed

Treatment Methods

01
AL amyloidosis: Bortezomib-based chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation
02
AA amyloidosis: Control of the underlying inflammatory disease
03
ATTR amyloidosis: Tafamidis (transthyretin stabilizer)
04
Patisiran or inotersen (in hereditary ATTR neuropathy)
05
Organ transplantation (in advanced organ failure)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.