Definition of Hereditary amyloidosis:

Hereditary amyloidosis is a condition in which abnormal protein deposits (called amyloid) form in almost every tissue in the body. These protein deposits damage the tissues and interfere with the function of the involved organs.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Hereditary amyloidosis is passed down from parents to their children (inherited).

Other types of amyloidosis may be:

• Spontaneous, which means it occurs without a known cause
• Secondary, which means it results from diseases such as cancer of the blood cells (myeloma)

For further information, see the specific type:

• Cardiac amyloidosis
• Cerebral amyloidosis
• Primary amyloidosis
• Secondary systemic amyloidosis