Systemic amyloidosis is a rare protein misfolding and deposition disorder caused by extracellular deposition of amyloid and leading to progressive organ failure. Amyloid is composed of highly organized proteinaceous, insoluble, and degradation-resistant fibrils. Hereditary systemic amyloidosis-2 (AMYLD2), resulting from mutation in the FGA gene, is the most common form of hereditary renal amyloidosis. The kidneys are the major affected organ, presenting with proteinuria. Other less frequently involved organs include liver, heart, autonomic nerve, and, rarely, peripheral nerve. A strong family history of coronary or vascular disease is also frequently seen (summary by Muchtar et al., 2021). The various forms of hereditary systemic amyloidosis that do not have peripheral neuropathy as part of the clinical syndrome have been referred to as 'Ostertag type' in reference to a German family described by Benno Ostertag (1932) in which several members died with renal amyloidosis. Since the form of hereditary amyloidosis caused by mutation in the FGA gene is the most common in Europe and has a clinical presentation with hypertension and proteinuria, Benson (2005) considered it a very good candidate for being the original amyloidosis described by Ostertag. For a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of hereditary systemic amyloidosis, see AMYLD1 (105210).

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), defined by the deposition of congophilic material in the vessels of the cortex and leptomeninges, is a major cause of intracerebral hemorrhage in the elderly (Vinters, 1987, Greenberg, 1998). Palsdottir et al. (1988) referred to the disorder in Icelandic patients as hereditary cystatin C amyloid angiopathy (HCCAA).

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).