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amyloidosis
(am″ә-loi-do´sis)
the deposition in various tissues of insoluble amyloid, which makes the tissues waxy and nonfunctional. In primary amyloidosis, the tissues most often affected are cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscles. In secondary amyloidosis, the most common sites of deposition are the spleen, kidney, liver, and adrenal cortex. Familial forms affect particularly
the nervous system. The symptoms of amyloidosis appear insidiously, progress slowly, and depend on the specific organ affected.
In secondary amyloidosis they are often overshadowed by symptoms of the disease causing the disorder.
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