Amyloidosis and chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy.
• Gastrointestinal amyloidosis is a rare complication of multiple myeloma.
• Chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction presents as symptoms of bowel obstruction without a mechanical blockage.

Observation:

• A 39-year-old woman with multiple myeloma presented with chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction.
• Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed amyloid infiltration in the affected gastrointestinal tissues.
• Esophageal and anal sphincter manometry showed motor abnormalities.

Findings:

• Amyloid deposition in the gastrointestinal tract correlated with motor abnormalities of the lower esophageal and anal sphincters.
• The findings suggest a direct link between amyloid infiltration and sphincter dysfunction.

Implications:

• Manometric abnormalities may serve as indirect evidence of gastrointestinal smooth muscle amyloidosis in patients with multiple myeloma.
• This understanding can aid in the early diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal complications in multiple myeloma patients.
• Further research into the pathophysiology and treatment of gastrointestinal amyloidosis is warranted.