Pattern of renal amyloidosis in western India. A study of 104 cases

A total of 31,266 autopsies and 1556 renal biopsies were scrutinised over a period of 19 years (1968-1986) retrospectively and prospectively, with an aim to study the incidence and pattern of renal amyloidosis in western India. A total of 104 cases with amyloidosis were detected, 41 from the autopsy series (0.1%) and 63 from biopsies (4%). Secondary amyloidosis was seen in 83.7% and primary amyloidosis in 11.5%. The interval between the onset of predisposing disease and first evidence of amyloidosis varied from 2 months to 31 years. Tuberculosis of various organs was the main cause of secondary amyloidosis (72.4%). Nephrotic syndrome was a common mode of presentation (71.4%). Besides kidneys, which were involved in all cases, the liver, spleen and adrenals were other commonly involved organs at autopsy. Renal failure was the leading cause of death (34.1%).