Article Text
Summary
Amyloidosis a rare disorder characterised by the deposition of amyloid protein aggregates in different organ systems throughout the body with resulting functional impairment of affected organs. It can present with localised or multisystemic deposits. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the non-specific nature of the symptoms. We present the case of a 59-year-old man with a 12-month history of non-specific symptoms. Investigations revealed Helicobacter pylori positive gastritis. Blood tests showed only a normocytic anaemia and thrombocytopaenia. CT scan showed proximal sigmoid thickening. Biopsies were unremarkable. Echocardiogram and cardiac MRI scan showed restrictive cardiomyopathy. Congo red staining of gastric biopsies showed amyloid deposition. The patient had elevated serum kappa light chains and a bone marrow biopsy confirmed multiple myeloma and he was subsequently diagnosed with systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis secondary to this. He was started on chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition; however, he deteriorated rapidly and so was started on palliative treatment and discharged home.
- malabsorption
- stomach and duodenum
- haematology (incl blood transfusion)
- pericardial disease
Statistics from Altmetric.com
Footnotes
Contributors MM, AB: wrote manuscript. SS: wrote manuscript, provided histopathology images. BRD: wrote manuscript, project co-ordination.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.