Abstract
Amyloid arthropathy is a rare but serious complication in patients with chronic renal
failure with a history of prolonged hemodialysis. The underlying pathophysiology is
the accumulation of beta-2 microglobulin in intra- and periarticular tissues, with
consequent synovial thickening and erosions. Imaging-based diagnosis of amyloid arthropathy
allows prompt clinical management and better patient outcomes. In view of vague clinical
presentation and uncommon incidence, the radiologist is often the first one to suspect
this complication. We hereby describe the case of a 66-year-old man with gradually
progressive left hip pain for the past 6 months who was diagnosed to have bilateral
amyloid arthropathy and was subsequently confirmed with computed tomography (CT) guided
synovial biopsy. Amyloid arthropathy should be considered in patients with hip pain
who are on long-term hemodialysis and present with suggestive findings on radiograph,
CT, and magnetic resonance studies.
Keywords
amyloid arthropathy - hip joints - imaging findings
