Amyloidosis
What causes AL amyloidosis?
AL amyloidosis occurs when an abnormality in the plasma cells found in bone marrow (the spongy tissue at the centre of some bones) results in the excessive production of proteins called 'light chains'.
Normally,light chains form part of antibodies (proteins that help protect the body from illness and infection), but in cases of AL amyloidosis, large numbers of misfolded light chains are produced and these clump together into thread-like fibres that the body cannot clear away easily.
These fibres typically then gradually start to form deposits in the heart, kidneys, nerves, or liver.
The abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow are usually benign (non-cancerous), but some cases of AL amyloidosis are linked to a type of bone marrow cancer called multiple myeloma .
Unlike some other types of amyloidosis, AL amyloidosis is not inherited, so a person with the condition cannot pass it on to their children.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Amyloidosis is a group of rare but serious conditions caused by deposits of abnormal protein, called amyloid, in tissues and organs throughout the body.
Signs and symptoms of AL amyloidosis
AL amyloidosis can affect any organ, and the symptoms depend on which organs are affected. Most oftenamyloid is deposited in the kidneys and may cause kidney failure. Symptoms of kidney failure can i
What causes AL amyloidosis?
AL amyloidosis occurs when an abnormality in the plasma cells found in bone marrow (the spongy tissue at the centre of some bones) results in the excessive production of proteins called 'light chains'
DiagnosingAL amyloidosis
Diagnosis of AL amyloidosis can be challenging, since the symptoms are often very general. The diagnosis can be confirmed by removing a biopsy (small tissue sample) from the affected part of the bod
TreatingAL amyloidosis
There are currently no treatments available that can directly remove the amyloid deposits associated with AL amyloidosis. Treatment aims to prevent the further production of abnormal light chains whil
Outlook
Before effective treatments for AL amyloidosis were discovered, the outlook for the condition was poor, with many people only living for a few months. With modern treatments, the outlook varies depen
Information about you
If you have amyloidosis, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look for bett
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