Korean J Gastroenterol.  2006 May;47(5):397-401.

A Case of Secondary Amyloidosis Presenting as Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea. tokimom@nate.com

Abstract

Amyloidosis is a disorder characterized by extracellular deposition of amyloid in various tissues and organs. Gastrointestinal manifestations including gastroparesis, constipation, malabsorption, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and bleeding are common. GI bleeding is a rare initial symptom which can be fatal in some cases. Absence of systemic symptoms and nonspecific endoscopic findings in amyloidosis may make diagnosis difficult. Therefore, amyloidosis-induced GI bleeding should be considered in patients with an obscure hemorrhage. Recently, we experienced a 65-year-old woman who presented with massive hematochezia as a manifestations of amyloidosis. Colonoscopy and SMA angiography showed massive bleeding in the small and large intestine. Colonoscopic biopsy established amyloidosis. We report this case with a review of the relevant literatures.

Keyword

Amyloidosis; Massive hematochezia

MeSH Terms

Aged
Amyloidosis/*complications/diagnosis
Female
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/*etiology
Humans
Intestinal Diseases/*complications/diagnosis
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