Is transthyretin amyloidosis life threatening?

It’s also known as transthyretin amyloidosis. It involves a protein known as transthyretin (TTR), which is produced in the liver. In people with ATTR amyloidosis, TTR forms clumps that may build up in the nerves, heart, or other parts of the body. This can cause potentially life threatening organ failure.

What is transthyretin amyloidosis?

Transthyretin amyloidosis is a slowly progressive condition characterized by the buildup of abnormal deposits of a protein called amyloid (amyloidosis) in the body’s organs and tissues.

What are the symptoms of transthyretin amyloidosis?

People with ATTR-PN may experience symptoms such as:

Diarrhea, constipation, or both at different times.
Nausea, vomiting.
Loss of appetite.
Sexual dysfunction.
Muscle weakness.
Various eye problems.
Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing.
Carpal tunnel syndrome.

How is transthyretin amyloidosis diagnosed?

A positive TcPYP scan, along with blood and urine tests to rule out other forms of amyloidosis, can confirm the diagnosis without the need for a heart biopsy. When ATTR amyloidosis is confirmed, a blood test is used to find out if the ATTR is hereditary or wild-type.

How does amyloidosis make you feel?

You may experience pain, numbness or tingling of your fingers or numbness, lack of feeling or a burning sensation in your toes or the soles of your feet. If amyloid affects the nerves that control your bowel function, you may experience periods of alternating constipation and diarrhea.

Does amyloidosis cause peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a common manifestation of AL amyloidosis, and the incidence of peripheral neuropathy in AL amyloidosis varies from 9.6 to 35% (3–5). The typical pattern of amyloid neuropathy is symmetrical, length-dependent, lower-limb predominant, slowly progressing polyneuropathy, with severe pain.