amyloidosis
n. a disorder marked by the accumulation of amyloid in the tissues. The cause is believed to be an immune-deficiency disease. Amyloidosis is eventually destructive because it interferes with the normal function of tissues, forming tumors in the respiratory tract, liver, kidney, and other organs. Primary amyloidosis occurs in association with multiple myeloma or in the absence of other diseases, whereas secondary amyloidosis is associated with a chronic disease, such as tuberculosis.