Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Amyloidosis is a systemic disease in which disruption of protein metabolism and extracellular deposition of a complex protein-polysaccharide complex occurs in various human tissues and organs. This lesion can occur in any organ, but the digestive, nervous and musculoskeletal systems are most often affected.

Main forms of amyloidosis

There are several main forms of amyloidosis:

1. Primary amyloidosis is a congenital enzymopathy that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. There may be several forms of congenital amyloidosis.
2. Secondary amyloidosis occurs against the background of long-term chronic diseases characterized by tissue breakdown and absorption of decay products. Such diseases may include tuberculosis of the lungs and other organs, bronchiectasis, chronic osteomyelitis, etc., as well as immunopathological disorders such as ulcerative colitis, serum sickness, etc.
3. Idiopathic amyloidosis has no obvious cause.
4. Senile amyloidosis occurs in older people and is associated with age-related changes in tissues.

With amyloidosis, the esophagus can be affected along with other organs and tissues. Most often, damage to the esophageal region is manifested by dysphagia when swallowing dense and dry food, especially when eating while lying down, as well as belching. On X-ray examination, the esophagus is hypotonic, peristalsis is weakened, and a suspension of barium sulfate lingers in the esophagus for a long time. Complications may include amyloid esophageal ulcers and esophageal bleeding.

Amyloidosis of the stomach usually accompanies amyloidosis of the intestines and other organs. In this case, a feeling of heaviness in the epigastric region after eating and dyspeptic disorders appear. X-ray examination is characterized by smoothness of the folds of the mucous membrane, weakening of peristalsis and evacuation of contents from the stomach. Complications may include amyloid gastric ulcers, gastric bleeding, and perforated ulcers.

Diagnosis of amyloidosis

To diagnose amyloidosis, it is necessary to perform a biopsy and identify the presence of amyloidosis in tissues and organs. Blood tests are also performed to assess liver and kidney function, a urine test for protein, and measurement of immunoglobulin levels in the blood. Additional diagnostic methods may include computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, electron microscopy and others.

Treatment of amyloidosis

Treatment for amyloidosis depends on the form and severity of the disease, as well as the organs and tissues that are affected. Treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, organ transplantation, management of symptoms, and maintaining the function of affected organs.

One of the main treatments for amyloidosis is to remove the source of the protein molecules that cause amyloid deposition. For primary amyloidosis, treatment with chemotherapy, which is aimed at reducing the number of protein molecules in the blood, can be effective. For secondary amyloidosis, treatment is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease that causes amyloid deposition.

Severe complications, such as bleeding or organ failure, may require hospitalization and intensive treatment.

In general, the treatment of amyloidosis is complex and requires an individual approach to each patient. Early seeking medical help and regular monitoring by specialists help improve the prognosis of the disease.

Amyloidosis: Understanding and Impact on Health

Amyloidosis, also known as amyloid dystrophy, is a rare disease caused by abnormal storage of a protein substance called amyloid in various organs and tissues of the body. In amyloidosis, amyloid proteins accumulate in organs, which can damage them and impair their function.

Amyloid is an abnormally folded protein that forms unwanted deposits in tissues. These deposits are called amyloid plaques or amyloid fibers and can accumulate in various organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and others. The formation of amyloid deposits can cause inflammation, tissue damage, and disruption of normal organ function.

Amyloidosis can be an inherited or acquired disease. Hereditary amyloidosis is associated with the presence of mutations in genes responsible for the synthesis of certain proteins, which are then stored in the form of amyloid. Acquired amyloidosis may be associated with other diseases such as multiple myeloma, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, or chronic infections.

Symptoms of amyloidosis can vary depending on the organ most affected by the amyloid deposits. However, some common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, swelling, abnormal heart rhythms, joint and muscle pain, gastrointestinal problems, and nervous system disorders.

Diagnosing amyloidosis can be difficult because symptoms can be similar to other diseases. However, tissue biopsies, blood and urine tests, genetic testing, and imaging studies such as X-rays, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for amyloidosis depends on its type and degree of progression. In some cases, treatment of the underlying disease that causes amyloidosis may be necessary. Other treatments include chemotherapy to reduce levels of amyloid proteins, organ transplants to replace damaged organs and tissue, and medications to reduce amyloid accumulation.

Although amyloidosis is a serious disease, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve a patient's quality of life.

A more thorough study of amyloidosis and its mechanisms of development is helping scientists and medical specialists develop new diagnostic and treatment methods. Key areas of research include studying genetic mutations associated with inherited amyloidosis and searching for new drugs that can prevent the formation of amyloid deposits or accelerate their destruction.

In conclusion, amyloidosis is a rare and complex disease associated with the accumulation of amyloid proteins in the organs and tissues of the body. It can have various symptoms and requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. With ongoing research and advancements in medical science, the hope for better treatment and management of amyloidosis is becoming increasingly possible.

Amyloidosis is a disease that manifests itself in the deposition of protein substances in the tissues and organs of the body. Proteins can accumulate both inside and outside cells. Deposits can vary in shape and composition, which determines different types of amyloidosis.

The reasons for the development of amyloidosis include heredity, metabolic disorders, inflammatory processes and other factors.

Most types of amyloid deposits are pathological and cause various symptoms in patients. One of the most common types of deposits is amyloid, which can cause pain, dysfunction of various organs and systems, as well as decreased immunity.

A number of laboratory methods are used to diagnose amyloidosis, including immunological tests and tissue biopsies. Treatment depends on the cause and type of amyloid deposits. In some cases, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and other drugs may be required.