Rectal stricture: a rare presentation of primary amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a process were an abnormal protein deposits in tissues. This deposit accumulates and may eventually cause a variety of nonspecific symptoms. Primary amyloidosis refers to amyloidosis caused by an underlying plasma cell disorder. Protein electrophoresis showing a monoclonal band is suggestive of the disease but in order to make the diagnosis, the presence of amyloid deposition on tissues must be shown by biopsy. We present a woman in whom primary amyloid is manifested as a rectal stricture. She came to the gastroenterology clinics complaining of hematochezia, weight loss, decreased appetite and abdominal pain. Her only sign of organ damage was mild to moderate proteinuria (80mg per day). The patient also had an unusual retroperitoneal infiltration with encasement of the abdominal aorta.