Open AccessPrimary Systemic Amyloidosis: a Case Report and Review of Clinical Features
Author(s) -
Hu H Q,
S C Wang,
Xiaoxiao Cao,
Cao B Z
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
international medical journal malaysia/iium medical journal malaysia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.139
H-Index - 9
eISSN - 2735-2285
pISSN - 1823-4631
DOI - 10.31436/imjm.v9i2.724
Subject(s) - medicine , primary systemic amyloidosis , amyloidosis , nephrotic syndrome , peripheral neuropathy , edema , orthostatic vital signs , weakness , peripheral edema , heart failure , diarrhea , weight loss , biopsy , physical examination , pathology , systemic disease , surgery , blood pressure , immunopathology , adverse effect , obesity , diabetes mellitus , endocrinology
Primary systemic amyloidosis is a rare disorder that has multisystemic manifestations. The diagnosis is very difficult because of non-specific clinical signs. We report a patient with primary systemic amyloidosis manifesting as peripheral neuropathy, nephrotic syndrome, gastrointestinal syndrome, orthostatic hypotension, pericardial fluid, weight loss and so on. Histopathological examination of kidney and sural nerve showed Congo red positive deposits. Primary systemic amyloidosis should be considered in any patient older than 40 years who has the following symptoms and signs: fatigue, weight loss, edema, paresthesias, muscle weakness, noninfectious diarrhea, skin and soft-tissue lesions, and the complications of nephrotic syndrome, congestive heart failure (not on an ischemic basis), peripheral neuropathy, or unexplained hepatomegaly. All patients need the diagnosis confirmed histologically by biopsy of an involved organ.