Amyloid Pathology Flashcards
1
Q
What is the difference between a plasmacytoma and a myeloma
A
Single and multiple masses of plasma cells respectively
2
Q
What is amyloidosis? Give some examples of things that cause it
A
Accumulation of any protein that can form a beta-pleated sheet
- Multiple myeloma - light-chain Ig
- Medullary thyroid cancer - calcitonin
- Long-term dialysis - b2 microglobulin
- Senile cardiac - ANP/transthyretin
3
Q
What is Bence-Jones protein?
A
Filtered light-chain Ig in the urine (multiple myeloma associated)
4
Q
What is secondary amyloidosis?
A
Continuous inflammation causing amylodosis (any cause)
5
Q
What are the features of late multiple myeloma?
A
- Bone lesions
- Osteoclast activation and hypercalcaemia. Can spread to extraosseous sites
- Hypercoagulability (due to increased viscosity)
- Hypercalaemia
- Neurological signs, polyuria, constipation, renal stones
- Renal failure
- Bence-Jones protein (filtered light-chain) can form casts within the urine
