Amyloidosis and the Kidney

Amyloidosis results from deposition of fibrillar proteinaceous material in the extracellular space in organs and tissues. Diagnosis is made microscopically on biopsy by visualizing apple-green birefringence in Congo red-stained sections under polarized light. Renal amyloidosis most often leads to glomerular deposits, resulting in proteinuria. If untreated, progressive decline in renal function can culminate in end stage renal disease. The type of protein that forms the fibrils can vary, but the result is disruption of structure and function.