Gastrointestinal amyloidosis: A focused review

Small Bowel Perforation in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) Secondary to Apolipoprotein A-IV (AApoA-IV) Type Amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

ApoA-IV amyloidosis is a rare disease that involves the deposition of ApoA-IV protein aggregates in tissues. It commonly presents as cardiac or renal disease, but can, in rare cases, cause small bowel perforation.

METHODS

This study describes a case of ApoA-IV type amyloidosis causing small bowel perforation after conversion of a sleeve gastrectomy (SG) into a RYGB in a Crohn's disease (CD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient. It also considers the indications for bariatric and anti-reflux surgery in the setting of co-morbid inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and obesity.

RESULTS

Obesity can reduce the efficacy of IBD medications and drives a pro-inflammatory state that may worsen IBD, however IBD patients present an operative challenge due to risk of more intestinal adhesions, potential intolerance to intestinal bypass, and risk of affecting options for future bowel resections if required. SG is often chosen over RYGB for CD patients due to limited short-term complications. However, when considering co-morbid GORD, the long-term risk of medication resistant GORD, erosive oesophagitis, and Barrett's oesophagus with SG is significant, especially given that SG is an irreversible procedure.

CONCLUSION

There is growing evidence that bariatric surgery in IBD patients is both safe and effective, however the decision to perform bariatric surgery in an IBD patient involves consideration of the intricate interplay between obesity and IBD.

Bowel Blockage Without a Block: Amyloidosis Presenting as Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

We present the case of a 61-year-old man with a history of schizophrenia and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy who was admitted with chronic nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. His clinical course was marked by recurrent hospitalizations due to persistently dilated small bowel and multiple exploratory laparotomies, all failing to yield a definitive diagnosis, raising suspicion for chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Extensive testing for vascular, paraneoplastic, infectious, and autoimmune causes was unremarkable. Given his unexplained cardiomyopathy and elevated serum light chains with a mild M spike, amyloidosis was suspected. A biopsy of the abdominal fat pad with Congo red staining confirmed amyloid deposition. His symptoms showed partial improvement with prucalopride, but he continues to require total parenteral nutrition and a venting gastrostomy tube for symptom management. Amyloid subtyping and a bone marrow biopsy are pending to determine the underlying etiology.

Isolated colonic amyloidosis: a rare condition mimicking malignancy

We report the case of a 54-year-old male with localized colonic amyloidosis presenting as rectal bleeding. Initial colonoscopy revealed a neoplastic-appearing lesion in the descending colon, but histopathology identified amyloid deposits, confirmed by Congo Red staining. Further assessment ruled out systemic involvement and primary (AL) amyloidosis, establishing the diagnosis as isolated colonic amyloidosis. This case highlights the importance of biopsy and histopathological evaluation in patients with atypical findings, especially when confounding factors such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are present. Comprehensive pathological and molecular assessment are important to differentiate between localized and systemic amyloidosis and guide appropriate management.

Duodenal Amyloidosis Inducing Malabsorption in Hepatitis B-Related Liver Cirrhosis: A Rare Case Presentation

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of liver cirrhosis worldwide. While hepatic complications are well-documented, extra-hepatic manifestations such as secondary amyloidosis are less common and can lead to diverse and complex clinical outcomes. Here, we present the case of a 60-year-old male with a history of chronic hepatitis B who progressed to liver cirrhosis and presented with chronic, unexplained, intractable diarrhea unresponsive to standard treatments. He also experienced significant unintentional weight loss and generalized weakness. Further investigations revealed amyloid deposition in the duodenum, confirming secondary amyloidosis affecting the gastrointestinal tract as the cause of malabsorption. Persistent diarrhea and malabsorption necessitated nutritional support and symptomatic management. This case highlights the rare association between chronic liver disease (CLD), secondary amyloidosis, and malabsorption syndrome, emphasizing the importance of clinical suspicion for timely diagnosis. Early recognition and prompt intervention are crucial to managing these complex cases, improving outcomes, and preventing further complications.

Colovesical Fistula and Amyloidosis

Systemic amyloidosis results from an abnormal deposition of toxic insoluble beta-sheet fibrillar protein in extracellular tissues, causing damage to multiple organ systems. Amyloid proteins (e.g., transthyretin, light chains, and serum amyloid A) may infiltrate the mucosa or vascular structures, resulting in gastrointestinal manifestations, including bleeding and diarrhoea. We discuss a case of a 71-year-old male with systemic immunoglobulin G kappa amyloid light chain amyloidosis who developed a colovesical fistula related to amyloid deposition.

Endoscopic and pathological characteristics of gastrointestinal amyloidosis: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal amyloidosis (GIA) is a rare manifestation of amyloidosis, characterized by amyloid fibril deposition in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a range of clinical symptoms. Early diagnosis is challenging due to the nonspecific nature of endoscopic and clinical findings.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical, endoscopic, and pathological characteristics of GIA and identify potential diagnostic markers for earlier detection.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 36 patients diagnosed with GIA based on histopathological findings, including Congo Red staining. Clinical, endoscopic, and pathological data were analyzed to identify correlations between lesion morphology, clinical symptoms, and amyloid deposition.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 22 males (61.1%) and 14 females (38.9%), with a mean age of 61.7 years. Endoscopic findings were diverse, with elevated lesions (57.1%) most common in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, and white patches (66.7%) prevalent in the duodenum. Histopathological analysis confirmed amyloid deposits in 62.8% of biopsy specimens. The small intestine exhibited the highest detection rate (100%), while the colorectum had the lowest (37.5%). Patients with elevated lesions may be asymptomatic, and among those with symptoms, abdominal pain is most common. Flat lesions are primarily associated with multiple symptoms, with abdominal discomfort, pain, distension, and acid reflux being the most frequent. The infiltration depth varied across different gastrointestinal tract segments, with the mucosal layer predominantly affected in the esophagus and stomach, whereas the submucosal layer more significantly involved in the duodenum and colon.

CONCLUSION

Gastrointestinal amyloidosis presents with a wide range of clinical symptoms and endoscopic manifestations. Histopathological diagnosis through standardized biopsy is crucial, and attention should be given to the depth of tissue sampling, as it may play a significant role in reducing misdiagnosis.

Light-Chain (AL) Amyloidosis as a Rare Cause of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Report and Systematic Literature Review

Introduction

Amyloidosis is a rare disease characterized by the deposition of misfolded proteins in different organs leading to tissue damage and organ failure. The immunoglobulin light chain produced by a monoclonal B-cell is one of more than 30 proteins identified to cause amyloidosis. Most commonly affecting the heart and kidneys, AL (amyloid, light chain) -amyloidosis can occur in any organ except for the central nervous system and carries a high morbidity and mortality. Gastrointestinal involvement is observed rather rarely and can present with intestinal obstruction, weight loss, hematochezia, malabsorption, or hematemesis. In this case report and systematic review, we present a 76-year-old male patient with new onset recurrent hematemesis and melena due to duodenal AL-amyloidosis and give a summary on the reported cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by the disease.

Case Report

The report of this case was guided by the CARE guidelines and served as an example to allow for a discussion of the specific aspects of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in AL-amyloidosis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar. After applying the eligibility criteria, a total count of 26 were included into the systematic review which was reported according to the PRISMA checklist. The reported case showed recurrent hematemesis as the initial symptom of AL-amyloidosis due to B-cell dyscrasia and appeared to be characteristic of patients presenting with primary gastrointestinal involvement. Summarizing the biometric and clinical details of the individuals included into the systematic review, we observed a mean age of 66 years, a slight female predominance and a preferred clinical manifestation in the stomach and duodenum with localized disease in 38% of all cases.

Conclusion

Although being a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, AL-amyloidosis should be considered in patients with endoscopic findings of systemic disease and a clinical condition of suspected or known B-cell dyscrasia. An early diagnosis is crucial for patients with AL-amyloidosis as the disease often shows a rapid progression and treatment with combined personalized-/chemotherapy is usually well tolerated and highly efficient.

Digestive Amyloidosis Trends: Clinical, Pathological, and Imaging Characteristics

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases characterized by the extracellular deposition of abnormally folded, insoluble proteins that lead to organ dysfunction. While it commonly affects the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement is undetermined. Recent research has focused on understanding the pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic approaches to GI amyloidosis, particularly in systemic amyloid light-chain (AL) and amyloid A (AA) forms. GI manifestations can include motility disorders, bleeding, and, in severe cases, bowel obstruction. This review highlights the importance of the early recognition of digestive symptoms and associated imagistic findings in GI amyloidosis by analyzing the research that included clinical, pathological, and endoscopic approaches to amyloidosis. A systematic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases identified 19 relevant studies. Our findings showed that amyloid deposits commonly affect the entire GI tract, with AL amyloidosis being the most predominant form. Endoscopic evaluations and biopsy remain key diagnostic tools, with Congo Red staining and mass spectrometry being used to confirm amyloid type. Although progress has been made in diagnosis, the absence of targeted therapies and the indistinct nature of GI symptoms continue to be challenging.

Hereditary Transthyretin-Related Amyloidosis Ongoing Observational Study: A Baseline Report of the First 3167 Participants

Background: Hereditary transthyretin-related amyloidosis is a clinically heterogeneous autosomal dominant disease caused by pathogenic variants in the TTR gene (hATTR amyloidosis). Objective: The current study describes the demographic, clinical, and genetic characteristics of patients with suspected hATTR amyloidosis. Methods: This study is part of the "Hereditary transthyretin-related amyloidosis and longitudinal monitoring of TTR-positive patients" (TRAMmoniTTR) study. This study included 3167 participants, along with their clinical details. Principal component (PC) analysis was used to analyze their clinical symptomatology. Next-generation sequencing of the TTR gene was performed and genotype-phenotype relationships were investigated. We compared the demographic and clinical characteristics using the principal components (PCs) and also compared participants with and without the TTR pathogenic variants. Results: We identified five main clinical phenotypes out of 22 single symptoms that explained 49% of the variation. The first two PCs referred to polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy. We found significant differences between gender and PC-polyneuropathy and PC-cardiomyopathy, with male over-representation in the higher quantiles of PC-polyneuropathy and male under-representation in the lowest quantiles of PC-cardiomyopathy. We identified 92 participants with hATTR (3%), exhibiting 17 unique heterozygous TTR variants. The p.Val50Met variant was the most frequent. Furthermore, 503 participants (20%) were identified with ATTR and no relevant TTR variants (ATTRwt). We detected significant differences between the ATTRwt and hATTR groups, with male gender predominance in only the ATTRwt group and a positive family history of polyneuropathy and/or cardiomyopathy among the hATTR participants. Conclusions: The current clinical and genetic characterization of this cohort serves as a foundation for further longitudinal monitoring and assessment.

Beyond digestive pathology: endoscopic study in systemic disease

A 77-year-old male patient with heart disease, kidney disease under study, and quiescent multiple myeloma. He presented a 2 years history of weight loss and digestive symptoms. In the endoscopic study, multiple gastric ulcers were observed, whose histological study ruled out the initial suspicion. The patient died a month later from refractory shock.

AA Amyloidosis: A Contemporary View

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is an organ- or life-threatening complication of chronic inflammatory disorders. Here, we review the epidemiology, causes, pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of AA amyloidosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

The incidence of AA amyloidosis has declined due to better treatment of the underlying diseases. Histopathological examination is the gold standard of diagnosis, but magnetic resonance imaging can be used to detect cardiac involvement. There is yet no treatment option for the clearance of amyloid fibril deposits; therefore, the management strategy primarily aims to reduce serum amyloid A protein. Anti-inflammatory biologic agents have drastically expanded our therapeutic armamentarium. Kidney transplantation is preferred in patients with kidney failure, and the recurrence of amyloidosis in the allograft has become rare as transplant recipients have started to benefit from the new agents. The management of AA amyloidosis has been considerably changed over the recent years due to the novel therapeutic options aiming to control inflammatory activity. New agents capable of clearing amyloid deposits from the tissues are still needed.

Gastrointestinal amyloidosis in a 50-year-old patient with miliary tuberculosis: A case report

This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis as an underlying cause of gastrointestinal amyloidosis, even in patients previously treated for the infection. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for atypical presentations of amyloidosis, especially in individuals with chronic inflammation, enabling early diagnosis and tailored management for improved patient outcomes.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal amyloidosis is a rare condition often associated with chronic inflammation. We present a unique case of a 50-year-old female with a history of miliary tuberculosis who developed gastrointestinal amyloidosis. The patient exhibited chronic loose stools, weight loss, abdominal pain, and urinary incontinence symptoms. Diagnostic workup revealed characteristic findings of amyloidosis on biopsy. Despite treatment for tuberculosis, her symptoms persisted, highlighting the challenging nature of managing this condition. This case underscores the importance of considering tuberculosis as a potential cause of secondary amyloidosis in patients with ongoing symptoms of inflammation and infection. Early recognition and tailored management are crucial in optimizing patient outcomes.

Chronic underlying gastrointestinal amyloidosis was revealed by cardiac echography: a case report from Syria

Introduction and importance

Amyloidosis is an infiltrative disease caused by the deposition of abnormal proteins. While cardiac amyloidosis is relatively common, gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement is less frequent. In this case, the authors report a delayed diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis presenting mainly with digestive symptoms.

Case presentation

An 81-year-old male presented with the complaint of persistent diarrhoea for over a year and the progressive development of edemas during the last 4 months. Echocardiogram findings revealed the presence of the characteristic sparkling sign. The diagnosis of amyloidosis was confirmed by histopathological biopsies taken from the duodenum. Serum electrophoresis findings strongly suggested the possibility of plasma cell dyscrasia.

Clinical discussion

What distinguishes this case is that the suspicion of amyloidosis as the underlying cause of the diarrhoea did not arise until an incidental echocardiogram revealed cardiac hypertrophy and a sparkling appearance.

Conclusion

This case reminds us to consider amyloidosis as a possible underlying cause for unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, especially in bad economic situations where the diagnosis of rare diseases may be delayed.

Systemic Amyloid A Protein Amyloidosis With Gastrointestinal Involvement

Systemic amyloidosis is a multiorgan deposition of misfolded amyloid protein fibrils. The systemic amyloid A protein (AA) amyloidosis type predominantly involves the kidney and is mostly an under-recognized complication among persons who inject drugs. Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic AA amyloidosis that is associated with illicit drug use is uncommon. In this report, we present a case of a 40-year-old man with history of injection drug use, recurrent skin and soft-tissue infection, and renal AA amyloidosis that presented with painless bloody bowel movement, which initially resolved with conservative management. Upon further evaluation, the patient was found to have empyema that required antibiotic therapy and bilateral pleural drain. His hospital course was further complicated by multiple episodes of hematochezia requiring gastrointestinal consultation. Subsequent gastrointestinal biopsy revealed amyloid deposit.

Role of Palliative Care in the Supportive Management of AL Amyloidosis-A Review

Light chain amyloidosis is a plasma-cell disorder with a poor prognosis. It is a progressive condition, causing worsening pain, disability, and life-limiting complications involving multiple organ systems. The medical regimen can be complex, including chemotherapy or immunotherapy for the disease itself, as well as treatment for pain, gastrointestinal and cardiorespiratory symptoms, and various secondary symptoms. Patients and their families must have a realistic awareness of the illness and of the goals and limitations of treatments in making informed decisions about medical therapy, supportive management, and end-of-life planning. Palliative care services can thus improve patients' quality of life and may even reduce overall treatment costs. Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a clonal plasma cell disorder characterized by the excessive secretion of light chains by an indolent plasma cell clone that gradually accumulates in vital organs as amyloid fibrils and leads to end-organ damage. With progressive disease, most patients develop diverse clinical symptoms and complications that negatively impact quality of life and increase mortality. Complications include cardiac problems including heart failure, hypotension, pleural effusions, renal involvement including nephrotic syndrome with peripheral edema, gastrointestinal symptoms leading to anorexia and cachexia, complex pain syndromes, and mood disorders. The prognosis of patients with advanced AL amyloidosis is dismal. With such a complex presentation, and high morbidity and mortality rates, there is a critical need for the establishment of a palliative care program in clinical management. This paper provides an evidence-based overview of the integration of palliative care in the clinical management of AL amyloidosis as a means of reducing ER visits, rehospitalizations, and in-hospital mortality. We also discuss potential future collaborative directions in various aspects of clinical care related to AL amyloidosis.

Characterization of Amyloidosis in the Gastrointestinal Tract With an Emphasis on Histologically Distinct Interstitial Patterns of Deposition and Misinterpretations

Amyloidosis can involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and deposition can present with varied histologic patterns that make recognition challenging. This retrospective observational study aimed to characterize the deposition patterns in the GI tract and evaluate key quality metrics, including discrepant cases, to improve recognition and provide insight for accurate diagnosis. Sixty-two patients (195 biopsies) with amyloid involvement of the luminal tract were reviewed. Amyloid subtyping by mass spectrophotometry was available for 59 patients. Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) was the most commonly identified subtype (60%), followed by serum amyloid A (AA; 19%) and transthyretin (ATTR; 16%). 150/195 biopsies (77%) were positive for amyloid deposition, with an average of 2.4 positive biopsies per every 3.1 taken per patient. The sites with the highest yield were duodenum (37/37, 100%) and colon (63/74, 85%). Gastric biopsies were most likely to involve the lamina propria (41/45, 91%, P < 0.001), with the background mucosa showing reactive epithelial changes in almost half of the biopsies (20/45, 44%). Several distinct histologic patterns of interstitial deposition were identified, including muscularis mucosae deposition (n = 40, 27% of positive biopsies), peri-Brunner gland (n = 6, 17% of duodenal biopsies), mass-forming (n = 4, 2.7% of positive biopsies, including 3 suspected cases with localized involvement), collagenous colitis-like (n = 3, 4.8% of positive colonic biopsies), and globular (n = 19, 12.7% of positive biopsies). Congo Red was ordered in 81% of cases in which it was requested clinically, with a positivity rate of 30%. Of the 34 cases in which an amyloid workup was requested (but Congo Red was not performed), 14 were positive on reevaluation. Several missed cases had deposition in multiple biopsies, and almost half were missed by subspecialist GI pathologists. Nine misinterpretations were from the stomach, with seven initially diagnosed as chemical or reactive gastropathy. Additional discrepant cases were identified from the duodenum (n = 2) and colon (n = 3), with the vascular-only deposition pattern (n = 3), muscularis mucosae-only deposition (n = 3), and globular pattern (n = 1) identified. Given the challenges of identifying amyloid on hematoxylin and eosin staining, Congo Red ordering percentage should be 100% in clinically suspicious cases unless deposition is definitively seen on hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Gastric, Colonic, and Rectal Amyloidosis in the Setting of Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Unique Cause of Intractable Diarrhea

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary disorder characterized by episodes of fever, polyserositis, or cutaneous inflammation. The FMF attacks last 1-3 days and have no apparent triggers. Recurrent deposition of the serum amyloid A (SAA) protein in the gut can cause intractable diarrhea, dysmotility, and recurrent abdominal pain. Gastrointestinal amyloidosis is a rare, but serious, complication of FMF. In this case report, we describe a rare case of chronic diarrhea and recurrent abdominal pain due to FMF-induced gastrointestinal amyloidosis.

Gastroduodenal Involvement in AL Amyloidosis: Case Report and Literature Review

Gastrointestinal amyloidosis is a rare condition commonly found in the setting of systemic AL amyloidosis. Amyloid can deposit throughout the gastrointestinal tract and the resulting symptoms vary depending on the site of deposition. Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations can range from weight loss or abdominal pain, to more serious complications like gastrointestinal bleeding, malabsorption, dysmotility, and obstruction. This case describes a patient with known history of IgG lambda AL amyloidosis, presenting with epigastric pain and unintentional weight loss found to have gastroduodenal amyloidosis. The definitive diagnosis of GI amyloidosis requires endoscopic biopsy with Congo red staining and visualization under polarized light microscopy. There are currently no specific guidelines for the management of GI amyloidosis. Generally, the goal is to treat the underlying cause of the amyloidosis along with symptom management. Our patient is being treated with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (CyBorD) and started on hemodialysis due to progression of renal disease.

Amyloid Fibrils of Pisum sativum L. Vicilin Inhibit Pathological Aggregation of Mammalian Proteins

Although incurable pathologies associated with the formation of highly ordered fibrillar protein aggregates called amyloids have been known for about two centuries, functional roles of amyloids have been studied for only two decades. Recently, we identified functional amyloids in plants. These amyloids formed using garden pea Pisum sativum L. storage globulin and vicilin, accumulated during the seed maturation and resisted treatment with gastric enzymes and canning. Thus, vicilin amyloids ingested with food could interact with mammalian proteins. In this work, we analyzed the effects of vicilin amyloids on the fibril formation of proteins that form pathological amyloids. We found that vicilin amyloids inhibit the fibrillogenesis of these proteins. In particular, vicilin amyloids decrease the number and length of lysozyme amyloid fibrils; the length and width of β-2-microglobulin fibrils; the number, length and the degree of clustering of β-amyloid fibrils; and, finally, they change the structure and decrease the length of insulin fibrils. Such drastic influences of vicilin amyloids on the pathological amyloids' formation cause the alteration of their toxicity for mammalian cells, which decreases for all tested amyloids with the exception of insulin. Taken together, our study, for the first time, demonstrates the anti-amyloid effect of vicilin fibrils and suggests the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.

Intestinal Reactive Amyloid A (AA) Amyloidosis in a Patient With Multiple Myeloma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Amyloidosis is a rare group of disorders characterized by the extracellular deposition of misfolded protein aggregates that interfere with the function of the tissue affected. In some patients, the presenting symptom of monoclonal gammopathies, such as multiple myeloma, can be a gastrointestinal bleed with a further report of amyloidosis in gastrointestinal samples. In all the cases the pathology report is read as AL (light chain) amyloidosis. We present a case of a 57-year-old male patient with no medical history who debuted with gastrointestinal bleeding. A colonoscopy revealed a colonic ulcer with a pathologic diagnosis of amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis. Further investigation led to the finding of multiple myeloma (MM) with no evidence of systemic amyloidosis. Although there is little evidence in the literature of the association or even causative relationship between multiple myeloma and AA amyloidosis, our case highlights the importance of searching for an underlying monoclonal gammopathy like MM in a patient with a confirmed diagnosis of AA amyloidosis.

Teduglutide in amyloidosis-associated intestinal failure

Amyloidosis is a heterogeneous disease characterized by tissue deposition of abnormally folded fibrillary proteins that can manifest itself by a wide variety of symptoms depending on the affected organs. GI involvement among amyloidosis patients is common. Its clinical manifestation often presents with nonspecific symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, and malabsorption. With no specific treatment existing for GI amyloidosis, therapy focuses on impeding amyloid deposition and managing the patients' symptoms with supportive measures. Here, we present an AL-amyloidosis patient with GI involvement and intestinal failure (IF) who was successfully treated with the glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogue teduglutide. Over the course of treatment with teduglutide, the patient was able to achieve independence from parenteral nutrition and experienced a significant improvement in quality of life (QoL) as stool frequency and consistency improved, urinary output was stabilized and body weight as well as body composition improved over the course of teduglutide therapy. With no longer being exposed to the burden and associated risks of parenteral nutrition, we were able to reduce the potential morbidity and mortality rate as well as to improve the patient's overall QoL. Intestinal tissue biopsy workup revealed a histopathological correlate for the clinical response; Congo-Red-positive intestinal depositions almost completely disappeared within 6 months of teduglutide therapy. Implementing intestinotrophic GLP-2 analogue teduglutide may enrich the spectrum of treatment options for amyloidosis patients with IF who are dependent on parenteral support.

Gastrointestinal AA Amyloidosis following Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been associated with the overproduction of serum amyloid A protein, resulting in systemic AA amyloidosis. In this report, we describe a case of gastrointestinal (GI) AA amyloidosis following SARS-CoV-2 infection. A 75-year-old male presented to the emergency department with upper abdominal pain 6 weeks post kidney transplantation. He had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection 4 weeks prior. On day 7 of hospitalization, while receiving conservative management, the patient developed symptoms of cough and fever, leading to a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. The patient's abdominal pain persisted, and hematochezia developed on day 30 of hospitalization. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy revealed multiple ulcers in the stomach and colon, with histologic findings revealing the presence of amyloid A. The patient was managed conservatively and was also given remdesivir for the SARS-CoV-2 infection. His clinical symptoms subsequently improved, and endoscopic findings demonstrated improvement in multiple gastric ulcers. GI amyloidosis may be a subacute complication following SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised patients.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Amyloidosis Presenting As Chronic Diarrhea: A Diagnostic Dilemma

This case report describes a 63-year-old male patient with a four-year history of chronic diarrhea. Extensive diagnostic investigations failed to reveal a cause. Subsequent upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures revealed the presence of amyloidosis in the GI tract. The patient was referred for further evaluation, but unfortunately, he presented with hypotension and shock, and ultimately succumbed to systemic amyloidosis involving multiple organs. GI amyloidosis, although rare, should be considered in patients presenting with chronic diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or GI bleeding. Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for GI amyloidosis to ensure timely intervention and improve patient care.

Surgical strategies for localized colorectal amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Localized colorectal amyloidosis has a good prognosis, but cases involving bleeding or perforation may require surgery. However, there are few case reports discussing the differences in the surgical strategy between the segmental and pan-colon types.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 69-year-old woman with a history of abdominal pain and melena was diagnosed with amyloidosis localized in the sigmoid colon by colonoscopy. Since preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings could not rule out malignancy, we performed laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy with lymph-node dissection. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining revealed a diagnosis of AL amyloidosis (λ type). We diagnosed localized segmental gastrointestinal amyloidosis, because there was no amyloid protein in the margins, and the tumor was localized. There were no malignant findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike systemic amyloidosis, localized amyloidosis has a favorable prognosis. Localized colorectal amyloidosis can be classified into the segmental type, in which amyloid protein is deposited locally, and the pan-colon type, in which amyloid protein is deposited extensively in the colon. Amyloid protein causes ischemia due to vascular deposition, weakening of the intestinal wall due to muscle layer deposition, and decreased peristalsis due to nerve plexus deposition. No amyloid protein should remain outside the resection area. The pan-colon type is often reported to cause complications such as anastomotic leakage, and primary anastomosis should be avoided. On the other hand, if there is no contamination or tumor remnants in the margin, the segmental type may be considered for primary anastomosis.

A Rare Case of Gastrointestinal Amyloidosis Due to Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance

Amyloidosis of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is caused by the deposition of fibrils made of serum proteins into extracellular spaces. It is an uncommon disease with a poor prognosis, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Treatment for amyloid light chain (AL)-type amyloidosis involves supportive care as well as addressing any underlying plasma cell dyscrasias. We present the case of a 64-year-old female diagnosed with AL-type GI amyloidosis with associated monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Unfortunately, the treatment was initiated nine months after the initial presentation, and she died one month later. Awareness of GI amyloidosis may allow for faster diagnosis and treatment in future patients.

Hepatic Amyloidosis With Multiorgan Involvement

Amyloidosis is a diverse entity that poses both diagnostic and treatment challenges. Whether systemic or local, amyloidosis has varied manifestations including occasional hepatic involvement. Hepatic amyloidosis, although rare, should be on the differential for those with unexplained hepatomegaly, cholestasis, alkaline phosphatase elevations, other associated organomegaly, and those with certain epidemiologic risks. In this study, we report a case of a man with systemic amyloid light chain amyloidosis with multiorgan involvement, acute liver injury, cholestasis, nephrotic syndrome, cardiomegaly, and bleeding diathesis.

Pathophysiology, Functional Assessment and Prognostic Implications of Nutritional Disorders in Systemic Amyloidosis

Gastrointestinal involvement is a common clinical feature of patients with systemic amyloidosis. This condition is responsible for invalidating gastrointestinal symptoms, a significant macro and micronutrient deficit, and is a marker of disease severity. Gastrointestinal involvement should be actively sought in patients with systemic amyloidosis, while its diagnosis is challenging in patients with isolated gastrointestinal symptoms. The nutritional status in systemic amyloidosis plays an essential role in the clinical course and is considered a significant prognostic factor. However, the definition of nutritional status is still challenging due to the lack of internationally accepted thresholds for anthropometric and biochemical variables, especially in specific populations such as those with systemic amyloidosis. This review aims to elucidate the fundamental steps for nutritional assessment by using clinical and instrumental tools for better prognostic stratification and patient management regarding quality of life and outcomes.

A rare case of gastrointestinal amyloidosis secondary to myeloma with predominant jejunal involvement

Amyloidosis is a condition identified by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in various tissues and organs that eventually lead to impaired function. Systemic amyloidosis with gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement is more common than localized GI amyloidosis, whereas predominant jejunal involvement is even more uncommon. We report a rare case of systemic amyloidosis with predominant jejunal involvement in a 76-year-old female who presented with lower abdominal bloating and lethargy.

The 13-year bleed: Exuberant amyloid angiopathies, angiodysplasias, and acquired coagulopathies of the gut

Amyloidosis is a disorder characterized by extracellular deposits of proteins that are prone to aggregate and form insoluble fibrils. Amyloid deposits limited to a single organ or tissue without the involvement of any other site in the body is uncommon. We report a 75-year-old man with previously treated non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma who presented with recurrent gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Histopathology showed amyloid deposition within vascular malformations. His bleeding continued with the cause rooted in the fundamental building blocks—clotting factors. We discuss the interplay of the pathophysiology of lymphoma, amyloidosis, and factor X deficiency in a patient with preexisting angiodysplasias leading to refractory gastrointestinal bleeding. To our knowledge, there are only 3 reported cases of concomitant amyloidosis and angiodysplasia in the colon, and none involving the small bowel.