Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Elastic Staining on Paraffin-embedded Slides of pT3N0M0 Gastric Cancer Tissue
Published on: May 1, 2019
Emerging from the shadows: A rare case of gastrointestinal AL amyloidosis presenting as hematemesis
Ali Jaan1, Zouina Sarfraz2, Joel McFarland3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, New York, USA.
Abstract:
We document a unique presentation of light chain (AL) amyloidosis in a 62-year-old man exhibiting as acute hematemesis and chronic abdominal discomfort. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy disclosed marked thickening of gastric and duodenal folds, gastroduodenal nodularity, and friable ulcerations. Biopsy confirmed amyloidosis. Subsequent investigations ratified a diagnosis of systemic AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement. Initiation of the cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (CyBorD) regimen, along with tafamidis and doxycycline for cardiac pathology, led to substantial improvement of abdominal symptoms. This case highlights the variability in amyloidosis presentations and the importance of early diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
What is Monogastric Digestion?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...

