Secondary amyloidosis of the bladder: a cause of massive hematuria

Secondary amyloidosis of the bladder is a rare cause of hematuria, with only 10 previous reports. Findings and treatment in 5 patients with histologically verified bladder amyloidosis secondary to long-standing rheumatoid arthritis are presented. All patients were hospitalized for massive hematuria. One patient died before cystoscopy. Clot evacuation and fulguration through a cystoscope stopped the bleeding in 1 patient. In the other 3 patients hemostasis was achieved by cystotomy, bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy and continuous alum irrigation of the bladder, respectively.