Each type of amyloidosis is associated with different symptoms that are dependent upon which organ systems are affected. Many of the noticeable symptoms are general and occur in other diseases thus making diagnosis difficult. Amyloidosis can be definitively diagnosed with a biopsy test (tissue removed from the body and examined to identify the type and extent of disease).
Northwestern Medicine experts provide consultations, diagnostic testing and advanced treatment options for amyloidosis. Call 312.NM.HEART (664.3278) to schedule an appointment.
Meet the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Amyloid Program Team
Amyloidogenic light chain (AL) amyloidosis: This type of amyloidosis originates from abnormal cells in the bone marrow and can affect the heart, kidneys, skin, nerves, gastrointestinal tract and liver.
Amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis: This type of amyloidosis originates from the liver which produces a protein called transthyretin which misfolds, breaks down and ultimately forms amyloid proteins. Transthyretin is a normal protein that is abundant in the blood.
In the hereditary form of ATTR amyloidosis, individuals have a genetic abnormality in the gene that encodes the transthyretin protein resulting in misfolding and build-up of the protein.
In the non-hereditary (age-related) form of ATTR amyloidosis, there is misfolding and build-up of the transthyretin protein without any genetic abnormality. This form of amyloidosis is also called wild-type ATTR amyloidosis.
Both hereditary and non-hereditary forms of ATTR amyloidosis are now recognized as being less rare than once thought. Hereditary ATTR most commonly affects the nervous system and heart, depending on the specific genetic variant of the gene. Non-hereditary ATTR mainly affects the heart.
Amyloidogenic inflammation-related (AA) Amyloidosis: This rare type of amyloidosis occurs in individuals with chronic infections or inflammatory diseases. It may affect the heart, but more commonly affects the kidneys, liver and/or digestive tract.
The symptoms of amyloidosis are determined by what organs are affected.
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