Megaduodenum: an unusual presentation of amyloidosis?

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2010 Apr-Jun;73(2):287-91.

Abstract

Amyloidosis, a potentially fatal disease, is characterized by an abnormal deposition of autologous proteins. Heart, liver, kidneys, lung, thyroid, skin and the gastrointestinal tract can be involved; in this last case mucosal alterations or disturbances of the motility leading to pseudo-obstruction, bleeding, diarrhea and malabsorption can be present. However, the data concerning the possible gastrointestinal presentations of amyloidosis are scanty and heterogeneous. We report the case of a patient presenting severe gastrointestinal symptoms caused by a megaduodenum. The patient was thoroughly investigated and lesions appeared limited to the upper gastrointestinal tract in the absence of a systemic disorder. However, at follow up the patient developed cardiac dilatation and bioptic samples revealed the presence of amyloidosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amyloidosis / complications
  • Amyloidosis / diagnosis*
  • Amyloidosis / pathology
  • Dilatation, Pathologic
  • Duodenal Diseases / etiology*
  • Duodenal Diseases / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardium / pathology