Amyloidosis results when enough amyloid protein builds up in one or more organs to cause a malfunction.

Amyloid is an abnormal protein that originates in bone marrow. The heart, kidneys, nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract are most often affected by the disease. Symptoms can include weakness, diarrhea, weight loss, severe fatigue, enlarged tongue, shortness of breath, swelling of ankles and legs, dizziness upon standing, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet or a feeling of fullness after eating smaller amounts of food than usual.

A physical exam can find out if organs are working properly. Doctors also may test blood, urine, and bone marrow. Blood or urine tests can detect amyloid protein, but only bone-marrow tests or other small samples of tissue can positively establish a diagnosis.

Treatment aims to limit further production of the amyloid protein through medications and diet. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. also offers newer therapies, such as stem-cell transplants.

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