Hereditary amyloidosis is a condition in which abnormal protein deposits (called amyloid) form in almost every tissue in the body, usually the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. These protein deposits damage the tissues and interfere with how organs work.
Alternative Names
Amyloidosis - hereditary; Familial amyloidosis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Hereditary amyloidosis is passed down from parents to their children (inherited). For more information see: Primary amyloidosis.
Other types of amyloidosis are not inherited. They include:
Senile systemic, seen in patients older than 70
Spontaneous, which means it occurs without a known cause
Secondary, which means it results from diseases such as cancer of the blood cells (myeloma)
Review Date:
2/25/2012
Reviewed By:
Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital. David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
