PRIMARY SYSTEMIC AMYLOIDOSIS OF THE ALIMENTARY TRACT

Abstract

Primary systemic amyloidosis is a rare disease. It occurs in the absence of predisposing diseases and is characterized by deposition of amyloid chiefly in the tongue, the alimentary tract and the heart. Koletsky and Stecher¹recently reviewed 24 cases of this disease reported in the American and foreign literature and added 2 cases of their own. Two additional cases have since been reported.² The following case involved an example of this disease with primary involvement of the alimentary tract; it presents several unusual features. <h3>REPORT OF A CASE</h3> M. T., a 66 year old Negress, was admitted to the medical service of the Grady Hospital in July 1943, with the chief complaint of massive hematemesis three hours before admission. <h3>History.</h3> —The patient had been seen frequently in the outpatient clinic since 1927, when she came to the hospital because of constipation and poor appetite. At that time she appeared