Amyloid disease: association with failure of arterial reconstruction

Amyloidosis may accompany many chronic diseases and in particular occurs as a complication of myelomatosis in 10% of cases. This paper reports the effects of amyloid in major arteries of the leg, and describes attempts to treat this occlusive disease using vascular grafts. Such disease may be rapidly progressive and its presence may indicate a poor outlook after vascular surgery. Arterial biopsy at the time of operation in patients with diseases associated with amyloidosis may be useful in assessing prognosis.