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Localized Intestinal Amyloidosis Case Report: Uncommon Presentation of a Rare Disease
José Damasceno1, Alexandra Gordalina2, Rita Seara Costa1
1Gastroenterology Department, Braga Hospital, Braga, Portugal.
Introduction:
Amyloidosis involves a heterogeneous group of diseases resulting from extracellular deposition of abnormal fibrillar proteins. Systemic and localized forms of the disease are recognized, with distinct presentations and prognoses.
Case Presentation:
We report the case of a 70-year-old male with a history of diarrhea and weight loss. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed duodenal mucosal thickening and whitish granularity. Biopsies showed a positive Congo red staining. Etiological investigation was negative. Thus, localized intestinal amyloidosis was diagnosed. The patient was medicated with rifaximin and loperamide for symptomatic control.
Discussion/Conclusion:
Gastrointestinal tract involvement in systemic amyloidosis carries a worse prognosis. Localized amyloidosis is a rarer variant of the disease, with better prognosis and no known cases of progression. Follow-up consists of symptomatic control. This highlights a rare form of amyloidosis with benign clinical course, in which invasive or aggressive treatments should be avoided.
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