Primary (AL) amyloidosis with gastrointestinal involvement

Objective. Immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare disease that can affect several organs. The aim of this study was to characterize patients with gastrointestinal manifestations of AL amyloidosis, in terms of symptoms, biochemistry, and outcome. Material and methods. Retrospectively, patients with AL amyloidosis admitted for evaluation of malabsorption in a Department of Gastroenterology between January 2000 and December 2006 were identified. Results. A total of 11 patients (4 F, age 60 years, median (range) 50–69) were included in the study. Gastrointestinal amyloidosis was histologically verified in all patients. All patients had gastrointestinal symptoms, 8 of them prior to establishment of diagnosis. Median (range) delay from initial symptoms to diagnosis was 7 (0–24) months. The most prominent symptom was weight loss (n=10) averaging 7 (0–25) kg, followed by diarrhea (n=5). Steatorrhea (2 mild, 1 moderate, 1 severe) was found in 4 of 7 patients examined. At presentation, 9 patients had...