Diagnostic studies in amyloidosis

In this thesis two diagnostic techniques are studied in amyloidosis. Systemic amyloidosis is characterized by deposition of amyloid fibrils (tiny fibres) throughout the body resulting in damage of vital organs. Amyloid can be detected in a tissue specimen stained with Congo red: red-stained amyloid turns into apple-green when the specimen is viewed in polarized light. Subcutaneous abdominal fat tissue is easy to obtain and very suitable for detection of amyloid. The first described technique measures the concentration of a specific amyloid protein (amyloid A protein) in fat tissue. AA amyloidosis is detected with this technique. The second technique, SAP scintigraphy, uses serum amyloid P component that is labeled with iodine123. This 123I-SAP scan helps to detect amyloid in vital organs and reflects the amyloid load of the body. Both systemic AA and AL amyloidosis can be detected with this technique