Abercrombie’s disease, also known as waxy disease or cellulose disease, occurs when amyloid protein causes degeneration in tissues, most commonly in the spleen, kidney, and liver. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be related to changes in blood plasma. Symptoms vary depending on the affected organ, and diagnosis is often difficult until significant degeneration has occurred. Treatment involves improving blood quality, a nutritious diet, and exercise.
Abercrombie disease is a condition that goes by several names, including Abercrombie syndrome, Abercrombie disease, waxy disease, cellulose disease, Virchow syndrome, bacon disease, hyaloid disease, and lardaceous disease . This condition occurs when amyloid permeates the fibers or cells of a tissue and causes degeneration. Amyloid degeneration most commonly occurs in the spleen, kidney, and liver, although it can affect any tissue. As the tissue continues to degenerate, it will lose some or all of its normal functioning. Because the symptoms of Abercrombie’s disease are often vague, this condition may not be diagnosed until a significant amount of degeneration has occurred.
Amyloid is a waxy protein containing starch and cellulose. This protein is insoluble, meaning it cannot be dissolved or broken down. When amyloid enters an organ, it usually settles in connective tissue cells and capillary walls. Amyloid degeneration can occur in large portions of an organ or in tiny nodules about the size of a pinhead.
Organs affected by Abercrombie’s disease will typically become enlarged, smooth, and hard. The fabric will take on a slightly white or yellow translucent appearance, similar to a bacon rind. Within the tissue, the bark will also be bloodless. When blood vessels or the muscular covering of an artery are affected, the tissue thickens and becomes transparent. Organs commonly affected include the spleen, kidneys, pancreas, and liver. Almost any organ or tissue in the body, however, can be affected by Abercrombie’s disease.
As of 2011, the exact cause of amyloid degeneration is not fully known. It is believed to be caused, at least to some extent, by changes in blood plasma. These changes inhibit cells from receiving the nutrition needed to generate healthy tissue. Many times, people who suffer from Abercrombie’s disease are also suffering from another wasting condition or disease.
The symptoms of Abercrombie’s disease vary depending on the tissue or organ affected. Since sufferers of this condition commonly suffer from other wasting diseases, a person’s symptoms may be overlooked. People suffering from amyloid degeneration of the kidneys may notice increased urine output, vomiting, diarrhea, bad breath, and edema. Those suffering from degeneration in other organs may notice similar symptoms or even symptoms more specific to the organ’s function.
To test for waxy degeneration, a doctor will drop an iodine solution onto the affected tissue. If the solution turns a deep mahogany, amyloid is present in the tissue. When tested on normal tissue, the solution will cause tissue to appear more yellowish. While this test can be used, Abercrombie’s disease is often evident when the affected tissue is observed.
The problem with Abercrombie’s disease is that the condition usually doesn’t come to fruition until one or more organs have undergone significant degeneration. In some cases, the condition may not be detected until a patient is examined postmortem. If the condition is diagnosed, patients usually undergo treatment to improve blood quality. Patients might also be advised to consume a nutritious diet and take regular exercise to inhibit further degeneration.
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