---

•	Encyclopedia Home
•	Diseases A-Z
•	Read Spanish version

More Features

•	Printer-friendly version

Macroamylasemia

Definition

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

Causes

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.

Exams 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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.