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Case report
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction due to β2microglobulin-amyloidosis in a patient on high-flux haemodialysis
  1. Pieter De Mulder1,2,
  2. Kristof Cokelaere3 and
  3. Wim Terryn3
  1. 1Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
  2. 2Anatomopathology, Jan Yperman Hospital, Ieper, Belgium
  3. 3Nephrology, Jan Yperman Hospital, Ieper, Belgium
  1. Correspondence to Dr Pieter De Mulder; pieter.de.mulder{at}hotmail.com

Abstract

Dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA) or β2microglobulin (β2m)-amyloidosis is a disorder caused by the inability to clear a protein called β2m in patients with chronic kidney disease. It results in deposition of β2m as amyloid fibrils, most commonly in bones and joints. Infrequently, visceral organs may be involved. With modern high-flux haemodialysis, DRA has become a rare disease, yet it may occur. We present a case of DRA in an 86-year-old woman. This case is particularly notable for its rare presentation as chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. It is of paramount importance to recognise this entity in order to reduce delay in treatment and avoid patients being frustrated not getting a diagnosis.

  • gastroenterology
  • renal medicine
  • dialysis

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Footnotes

  • Contributors All authors contributed to the care of the patient. PDM wrote the initial draft of the manuscript and WT and KC contributed with modifying the overall content in manuscript. All authors read and approved the manuscript.

  • 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 for publication Obtained.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.