This website for the UK public is developed and funded by AstraZeneca as part of a disease awareness campaign. It is for information only, not for diagnosis. If you are concerned about symptoms, please see your GP or another healthcare professional.
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis) is a rare but serious condition that can cause life-limiting symptoms.
ATTRv amyloidosis can be caused by a fault in a person's genes called the 'V50M mutation'. This type of ATTRv amyloidosis is also known as 'Doença dos Pezinhos', or 'little feet disease'. The gene mutation can be passed down through families and is more common in those from Portugal. For example, about 1 in 538 people with heritage from the North of Portugal are thought to be carriers of the V50M mutation.
If you have Portuguese heritage, you and your family might be at risk. But you are in the right place. Here you can read more about the condition, find out what symptoms to look out for and learn when to seek help.
Recognising the symptoms
ATTRv amyloidosis can cause a wide range of symptoms. These can include numbness in the hands and feet, diarrhoea, dizziness, muscle weakness and tiredness. Learning more about the symptoms can help you recognise them in yourself or in family members.
Getting a diagnosis
ATTRv amyloidosis is a condition that gets worse over time if left unmanaged. So being diagnosed as early as possible is really important. If you think you or someone in your family might be at risk, find out more about the diagnosis process.
Living with ATTRv amyloidosis
Once a person has been diagnosed with ATTRv amyloidosis, their specialist healthcare team will find the right care and management plan for them. There are also small changes that people can make to help ease symptoms in their day-to-day lives.
Hear real stories
Stories from people living with ATTRv amyloidosis are coming soon.
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Recognising the symptoms
ATTRv amyloidosis can cause a wide range of symptoms. These can include numbness in the hands and feet, diarrhoea, dizziness, muscle weakness and tiredness. Learning more about the symptoms can help you recognise them in yourself or in family members.
Getting a diagnosis
ATTRv amyloidosis is a condition that gets worse over time if left unmanaged. So being diagnosed as early as possible is really important. If you think you or someone in your family might be at risk, find out more about the diagnosis process.
Living with ATTRv amyloidosis
Once a person has been diagnosed with ATTRv amyloidosis, their specialist healthcare team will find the right care and management plan for them. There are also small changes that people can make to help ease symptoms in their day-to-day lives.
Hear real stories
Stories from people living with ATTRv amyloidosis are coming soon.
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Finding support
Whether you are just learning about ATTRv amyloidosis or supporting a friend or family member with the condition, there is lots of help and information available. Practical resources, support groups and symptom education can help you take your next step.
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- Amyloidosis Research Consortium. Disease Overview: Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis. Available at: https://arci.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WEB-Booklet-1_hATTR_05052022-RC-1.pdf. Accessed August 2026.
- Coelho S. Big feat solving Little Feet’s. iSGTW. 2011. Accessed August 2026.
- Obi CA, Mostertz WC, Griffin JM, et al. Methodist DeBakey Cardiovasc J. 2022;18(2):17–26.
GB-77623 | August 2026 | To be reviewed August 2028