AL-AMYLOIDOSIS is the most common type of amyloidosis and involves proteins called light chains.

Light chains make up part of the structure of immunoglobulins (antibodies) which play an important part in the immune system. They are produced by plasma cells in the bone marrow.

In AL- amyloidosis, abnormal plasma cells make excessive amounts of abnormal light chain proteins. Instead of forming immunoglobulin, they become misfolded and deposit as amyloid in various organs of the body.

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Symptoms and complications of AL-amyloidosis vary from patient to patient, depending on the organs involved and the extent of damage caused by the amyloid deposits. Any organ apart from the brain can be affected.

Signs and symptoms of AL-amyloidosis may include: 

• Swelling of your ankles and legs
• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Numbness, tingling or pain in your hands or feet, especially pain in your wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Diarrhea, possibly with blood, or constipation
• Unintentional, significant weight loss
• Enlarged tongue
• Skin changes, such as thickening or easy bruising, and purplish patches around the eyes
• Iirregular heartbeat
• Difficulty swallowing