Systemic amyloidosis presenting as chronic diarrhea in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis

Zsuzsanna H. McMahan, Joseph L. Sailors, Robert Toto, Nancy J. Olsen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Secondary (AA) amyloidosis is a disease that is caused by systemic deposition of amyloid fibrils. Circulating serum amyloid A protein is an acute phase reactant and levels are therefore high during inflammatory states. Chronic elevation of serum amyloid A levels Results in accumulation and deposition in various organs, leading to organ dysfunction. Unless the inciting inflammatory state can be controlled, the subsequent development of amyloidosis diminishes patient survival. We report a case of systemic amyloidosis that presented primarily as chronic diarrhea in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Unfortunately for the patient, the diagnosis of amyloidosis was delayed for years despite encounters with multiple physicians. Early medical intervention to control chronic inflammation is imperative and could prevent morbidity and mortality related to the development of secondary amyloidosis. Consideration of amyloidosis as a diagnosis in patients who have chronic uncontrolled inflammatory conditions is also important in preventing poor outcomes related to this disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)22-25
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Clinical Rheumatology
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2010

Keywords

  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Secondary amyloidosis
  • Serum amyloid A
  • TNF alpha inhibitors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rheumatology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Systemic amyloidosis presenting as chronic diarrhea in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this