Primary amyloidosis of the bladder: a case report

An otherwise healthy elderly lady who presented with gross haematuria was found to have a papillary lesion in her bladder. Histological examination of the lesion showed amyloid deposits. Investigations for systemic amyloidosis were all negative. Primary amyloidosis of the bladder is a rare clinicopathological condition with only 57 documented cases in the medical literature. It often mimics bladder carcinoma in presentation and cystoscopic appearance. Amyloid deposits in the bladder may be primary (organ-limited amyloidosis) or part of systemic amyloidosis. Exclusion of systemic amyloidosis is important for management and prognosis. Localised primary lesions are best treated with transurethral resection and recurrences are uncommon. Diffuse involvement of the bladder is difficult to manage and may require urinary diversion. We report the first case of primary amyloidosis of the bladder in Singapore.