Amyloid in neurosurgical and neurological practice

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pathology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Amyloidosis is a group of diseases defined by Congo red-staining protein deposits (amyloid).
• Amyloid proteins adopt an abnormal beta-pleated sheet structure, leading to self-aggregation and diverse organ distribution.
• Amyloidosis is categorized into systemic (primary, secondary, familial) and localized forms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review original cases of central nervous system amyloid diseases relevant to neurosurgical and neurological practice.
• To discuss the molecular aspects and clinical management challenges of neuro-amyloidosis.
• To illustrate the varied manifestations of amyloid deposition in neural tissues.

Main Methods:

• Review of original illustrative cases.
• Discussion of molecular mechanisms of amyloidogenesis.
• Analysis of clinical management strategies.

Main Results:

• Amyloid deposition in neural tissue can manifest as cerebral amyloid angiopathy, Alzheimer disease plaques, amyloidomas, or spinal extradural collections.
• These conditions present with diverse neurological symptoms and imaging findings.
• Specific amyloid protein types exhibit tropism for neural tissues.

Conclusions:

• Amyloid diseases of the central nervous system have varied presentations and clinical implications.
• Understanding molecular aspects is crucial for diagnosis and management.
• Neurosurgical and neurological approaches are vital for managing these complex conditions.