[Amyloidosis in monoclonal gammapathies. Observations of the authors' own cases]

We have investigated the presence of amyloid in 25 patients with multiple myeloma and in 12 patients with benign monoclonal gammopathies. Ascari's function resulted valid for the screening of patients with amyloidosis. Fine needle biopsy of subcutaneous fat showed the amyloid in 20% of patients with myeloma and in no patient with benign monoclonal gammopathies. The ratio voltage/mass resulted very useful for the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis. Sites involved were heart and kidney.