The Finnish type of systemic amyloidosis is characterized clinically by a unique constellation of features including lattice corneal dystrophy, and cranial neuropathy, bulbar signs, and skin changes. Some patients may develop peripheral neuropathy and renal failure. The disorder is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern; however, homozygotes with a more severe phenotype have also been reported (Meretoja, 1973).
Finnish hereditary amyloidosis, also known as Meretoja syndrome or AGel amyloidosis, is one of the most common diseases in the Finnish disease heritage. Symptoms commonly appear by age 40, with the first finding usually corneal lattice dystrophy (CLD), diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. Impaired vision, polyneuropathy, facial nerve paresis, and cutis laxa follow. These symptoms may develop slowly and simultaneously, since amyloid accumulates systemically at a constant rate (summary by Nikoskinen et al., 2015).
For a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of hereditary systemic amyloidosis, see AMYLD1 (105210). [from OMIM]
- MedGen UID:
- 301243
- •Concept ID:
- C1622345
- •
- Disease or Syndrome