Amyloid Goiter: Review of the Literature and Report of a Case

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Abstract
An example of primary amyloidosis of the thyroid gland ("amyloid goiter"), occurring in a 43-year-old Negro woman, is described. This represents the first proved instance of amyloid goiter with absence of amyloidosis in other tissues, as is manifested by histologic studies of the buccal mucosa (gum), and also the liver and kidney. There was no history, past or present, to indicate the existence of a chronic inflammatory process. Evidence from laboratory studies and physical examination did not indicate the presence of hepatic disease, luetic infection, or rheumatoid arthritis. Aside from an abnormal electrophoretic pattern for serum protein, with conspicuous elevation of the gamma and beta globulins, no other alterations were observed in the studies of serum or bone marrow. An intermittent trace of albumin was observed in the urine. Although the patient had symptoms and signs of cardiac involvement when last observed, it is thought that these are attributable to the advanced myxedematous state resulting from absence of the thyroid gland, rather than being the manifestations of primary amyloidosis of the heart.