AA (Secondary) Amyloidosis
Special staining reveals the amyloid deposits in the kidneys are from AA (secondary) amyloidosis. AA (secondary) amyloidosis occurs as a result of chronic infections or chronic inflammatory disorders.
AA (secondary) amyloidosis is characterized by a protein called "serum amyloid A." This protein is produced by the body in response to inflammation or infection.
High levels of the protein do not cause amyloid deposits over the short term, but can lead to amyloid deposits over a long period of time. For this reason, diseases which lead to chronic states of inflammation (such as poorly controlled rheumatoid arthritis) or to chronic states of infection (such as chronic tuberculosis) can result in AA amyloidosis deposits over several years.
AA (secondary) amyloidosis commonly affects:
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Spleen
Heart involvement in AA (secondary) amyloidosis is extremely rare.
Treatment targets the cause of the inflammation or infection – for example, controlling rheumatoid arthritis with immune suppressants, or treating chronic tuberculosis with appropriate antibiotics.
Condition Spotlight
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.
Amyloid Center
See a Stanford specialist to learn about your treatment options. Visit our clinic to make an appointment.
