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Hereditary amyloidosis

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Amyloidosis on the fingers
Amyloidosis on the fingers

Alternative Names    Return to top

Amyloidosis - hereditary

Definition    Return to top

Hereditary amyloidosis is a condition in which abnormal protein deposits (called amyloid) form in almost every tissue in the body. These protein deposits damage the tissues and interfere with the function of the involved organs.

Causes    Return to top

Hereditary amyloidosis is passed down from parents to their children (inherited).

Other types of amyloidosis may be:

For further information, see the specific type:

Update Date: 2/5/2008

Updated by: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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