Amyloid-related neuropathies.

Abstract

Formation of amyloid within peripheral nerves, resulting in amyloid-related neuropathies, may occur when myeloma-associated amyloid (AL) is deposited in an immune-related neuropathy or in familial amyloid polyneuropathy where prealbumin/transthyretin variants are marked by AF amyloid deposition. Refined histochemical and recent immunohistochemical techniques identify the correct type of amyloid and thus the nosologically precise form of amyloid-related neuropathy. Neuropathy is an inherent thought not obligate clinical and morphological component in two of the three systemic amyloidoses. Multiple causative factors in adult forms of neuropathy render a search for amyloid mandatory whenever respective biopsied nerve specimens are examined.