Amyloidosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Abstract
Rectal biopsy was performed in 115 patients with rheumatoid arthritis of more than 3 years'' duration. In six cases amyloid was detected in the rectum. Only three of these had proteinuria and raised blood urea levels at the time of biopsy. Our results suggest that amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis occurs more frequently in men, in the late stages of the disease, and usually in association with positive serological tests. The frequency of gastrointestinal involvement in secondary amyloidosis is discussed, and it is suggested that the probable incidence of amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis lies between 5 and 10%. The positive rectal biopsies showed different sites of amyloid deposition. The possible significance of these findings are discussed. The authors believe that rectal biopsy is the method of choice for the diagnosis of amyloidosis and can also be used as a screening test for this disease.