Abstract
Amyloidosis not infrequently involves the gastrointestinal tract and may result in a variety of symptoms, including those related to impaired motility, malabsorption, and ulceration due to ischemia. This report describes the case of a 74-year-old man with systemic amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma, with striking gross morphologic findings involving the colon, seen at autopsy, resembling severe inflammatory bowel disease. Microscopically, the small arterioles of the lamina propria were markedly narrowed or occluded by massive deposition of amyloid, presumably leading to diffuse ischemia and mucosal necrosis, Although the radiologic appearance of this condition has been well recognized, and ischemia due to amyloidosis has been described, this case is presented to demonstrate the gross anatomic changes not illustrated in previous reviews of the subject.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Brody IA, Wertlake PT, Laster L Causes of intestinal symptoms in primary amyloidosis. Arch Intern Med 1964;113:512–8.
Gilat T, Spiro HM Amyloidosis and the gut. Am J Dig Dis 1968;13:619–33.
Casad DE, Bocian JJ Primary systemic amyloidosis simulating acute idiopathic ulcerative colitis: report of a case. Am J Dig Dis 1965;10:63–74.
Goldgraber MB, Kirsner JB. “Specific” diseases simulating “nonspecific” ulcerative colitis (lymphopathia venereum, acute vasculitis, scleroderma and secondary amyloidosis). Ann Intern Med 1957;47:939–55.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Vernon, S.E. Amyloid colitis. Dis Colon Rectum 25, 728–730 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02629550
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02629550