Definition

Macroamylasemia is the buildup of a molecule, called macroamylase, in the blood.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Macroamylase is a molecule that consists of an enzyme, called amylase, bound to a protein. Because it is relatively large, macroamylase is filtered very slowly from the blood by the kidneys.

Macroamylasemia has been associated with:

  • Celiac disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Lymphoma
  • HIV infection
  • Monoclonal gammopathy

Symptoms

Macroamylasemia does not cause symptoms.

Signs and tests

Macroamylasemia causes a high amylase blood level reading.

Macroamylasemia can be confused with acute pancreatitis, which also causes high levels of amylase in the blood.

Macroamylasemia can be diagnosed by measuring amylase levels in the urine. Urine levels of amylase would be low. This is in contrast to acute pancreatitis, in which urine amylase levels will be high.

Review Date:10/18/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.