Understanding the Basics of Primary Systemic Amyloidosis

摘要

Primary systemic amyloidosis is a rare disease of the plasma cells with an incidence of 8 cases per million per year (Gertz, 2002; Mayo Reference Services, 2002). The plasma cells are responsible for the production of antibodies that assist and protect the body in everyday immunologic functioning. These antibodies are composed of fragments of a protein called amyloid that the body normally breaks down and recycles when no longer needed.