Systemic amyloidosis: a challenge for the rheumatologist

Authors:
  • AMAlberto Moggi-Pignone
    Alberto Moggi-Pignone
  • RLRiccardo Livi
    Riccardo Livi
  • ATAlessio Tempestini
    Alessio Tempestini
  • FBFranco Bergesio
    Franco Bergesio
  • MMMarco Matucci-Cerinic
    Marco Matucci-Cerinic
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Amyloidosis comprises a group of diseases characterized by the extracellular deposition of insoluble fibrillar proteins. This mechanism generates different clinical syndromes depending on the site and extent of organ involvement. Amyloidosis is classified into categories of systemic and localized disease. Systemic amyloidosis is further subdivided into a hereditary familial form (for example, ATTR amyloidosis), a reactive form (AA amyloidosis), dialysis-related (Abeta(2)M) amyloidosis and immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Treatment can be symptomatic, directed at the affected organ, or can be directed at reducing the production of the abnormal proteins with different strategies. Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis is still poor and depends on the underlying disease as well as the type and degree of dysfunction in involved organs. Early diagnosis is essential because patients with advanced disease are generally unable to undergo intensive therapy. Patients with systemic amyloidosis often present to a rheumatologist not only because the disease can include musculoskeletal and articular symptoms but also because it can be associated with chronic rheumatic diseases. This Review discusses the clinical features of amyloidosis and its rheumatic manifestations. The various types of amyloidosis, as well their prognosis and treatment, are also presented.

This publication has 119 references indexed in Scilit: