What is AA amyloidosis?

What is AA amyloidosis?

Serum amyloid A protein occurs at high levels when inflammation (irritation and swelling) is present in the body. AA amyloidosis occurs when Serum Protein A levels in the bloodstream remain high for a long period of time. This can be seen in chronic (long-term) inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), and chronic infections. It is also seen in inherited periodic fever syndromes such as Familial Mediterranean Fever. Sometimes referred to as secondary amyloidosis due to the underlying inflammatory disease, AA amyloidosis is more common in developing countries. This form rarely significantly affects the heart.