Waxy Degeneration

Waxy Degeneration (also called amyloid or lardaceous degeneration) is a morbid process in which the healthy tissue of various organs is transformed into a peculiar substance, allied in its chemical composition to albuminous substances. Organs affected by this degeneration have a certain resemblance in consistency and physical character to wax. They may be cut into portions of the most regular shape, with sharp angles and smooth surfaces; and the thinnest possible slices may be removed by a sharp knife for microscopical examination. Such organs are abnormally translucent, increased in volume, solidity, and weight. Usually the first parts affected by this degeneration are the small blood-vessels, the middle or muscular coat being first changed. Subsequently the adjoining tissues become similarly affected. When a solution of iodine is brought in contact with such tissues, a deep reddish-brown colour is produced; and this colour is alone a sufficiently characteristic test. Although amyloid degeneration is common to many tissues and organs, the parts most frequently affected are the spleen, liver, kidneys, lymphatic glands, and intestines. Waxy degeneration is very rarely met with as a primary condition. It is almost always the sequel to some chronic wasting disease, and is particularly associated with profuse and long-continued suppuration, as in strumous disease of bone, diseases of the lungs, kidneys, or intestines, with much purulent discharge; and with advanced constitutional syphilis. It can thus rarely be regarded as itself the cause of death, though it may materially hasten the fatal issue. No treatment is known to be of any avail; but when the degeneration is not very far advanced, it may gradually disappear if the suppuration or other morbid condition which has led to its development is arrested.