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Localized amyloid in the menisci of the knee joint
H J Rumpelt1, A Braun, R Spier
1Institut für Pathologie, Städtisches Krankenhaus Heilbronn, FRG.
Abstract:
This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report on amyloid deposits in menisci. Fragments of menisci gained by arthroscopy from 316 patients between 20 and 80 years of age were examined. Amyloid was found in 70% of the cases from male, as well as female patients. The amyloid amount found was always very small, but the deposits seemed to increase with age. Patients more than 50 years of age all had menisceal amyloid. Two types of deposits were observed: a)stroma-deposits in the deep central portions of the menisci (tiny dots of intensely stained amyloid and/or ill defined patches of low staining intensity) and b) surface associated deposits: band-like amyloid imbibition of the collagenous stroma immediately beneath the surface of the menisci but not deeper than 0.2 mm. In all cases, amyloid was resistant when pretreated by KMn04 and immunohistologically antisera against amyloid types AA, AB and AF were negative. 3/25 cases showed a reaction with an amyloid-lambda-antibody. We assume, that amyloid in menisci is a further type of localized senile amyloidosis.
Insights
Amyloid deposits were found in 70% of meniscus samples from patients aged 20-80. These deposits increased with age, with all patients over 50 showing meniscal amyloid.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic research
- Pathology
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Amyloidosis is a group of diseases characterized by protein misfolding and deposition.
- Menisci are crucial knee joint structures, and their pathology can lead to significant morbidity.
- The presence and characteristics of amyloid in meniscal tissue have not been previously reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of amyloid deposits in human menisci.
- To determine the prevalence of meniscal amyloid across different age groups.
- To characterize the types and locations of amyloid deposits within the meniscal structure.
Main Methods:
- Arthroscopic meniscal fragments from 316 patients (ages 20-80) were analyzed.
- Histological examination and immunohistochemical staining were employed.
- Amyloid presence was assessed, and deposit types were categorized.
Main Results:
- Amyloid deposits were detected in 70% of the examined meniscal samples.
- Deposit prevalence and apparent quantity increased with patient age, with 100% of patients over 50 affected.
- Two distinct deposit patterns were observed: stromal and surface-associated.
Conclusions:
- Amyloid deposition is common in human menisci, particularly in older individuals.
- Meniscal amyloid appears to be a form of localized senile amyloidosis.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance and specific type of meniscal amyloid.