Amyloid arthropathy in myelomatosis--intracytoplasmic synovial deposition

An unusual case is described of a West Indian man who presented with symptoms of an acute polyarthritis and who was found to have myelomatosis. At necropsy, generalized amyloidosis was found with particular involvement of synovial tissue. Myelomatosis presenting as an acute polyarthritis resembling rheumatoid arthritis is an uncommon, although well recognized entity, whereas an arthritic picture produced by amyloidosis is exceptional. The occurrence of joint pathology in myelomatosis and amyloidosis is discussed and the unique feature of intracytoplasmic amyloid deposition seen in this case is stressed.