Amyloidosis Ireland
Types of amyloidosis
The type of amyloidosis depends on the protein forming amyloid deposits. Amyloidosis Ireland focuses mainly on ATTR.
At a glance
- Hereditary ATTR is inherited and can run in families.
- Wild-type ATTR is not inherited and is usually diagnosed later in life.
- Other types, such as AL or AA, are different conditions and often need different specialist information.
The ATTR types
Hereditary ATTR amyloidosis
Hereditary ATTR amyloidosis is an inherited disease where the body makes a changed form of a protein called transthyretin, or TTR.
Many TTR variants have been identified. Thr60Ala has a specific origin in Donegal, in the north west of Ireland. H90D is another variant found in Ireland, predominantly in Cork. V122I is particularly common in people of African descent.
Hereditary ATTR most commonly affects the heart and nerves, although other organ involvement can occur.
Wild-type ATTR amyloidosis
Wild-type ATTR amyloidosis is not caused by an inherited TTR mutation. The deposited protein is the normal, non-mutated transthyretin protein.
It usually appears later in life, often from around age 65 or older. Amyloid deposits tend to build up slowly over time.
Wild-type ATTR can cause symptoms similar to hereditary ATTR, especially heart-related symptoms.
Other types of amyloidosis
There are other types outside ATTR amyloidosis, including AL and AA amyloidosis. They are quite different, so we do not cover them in detail here.
If you have another type, or you are unsure which type you have, get in touch with us. We may be able to help signpost you to more suitable information and support.