Summary
A case of systemic amyloidosis involving the gastrointestinal tract is presented.
The initial manifestation of this case was mechanical obstruction. On laparotomy,
a submucosal hematoma of the sigmoid colon which completely obliterated the lumen,
was found.
With intensive medical treatment, the obstructed lumen became patent, but segmental
ischemic colitis ensued. The terminal course of this case was complicated by chronic
renal failure, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and coagulopathy.
Pathological examination of the stomal specimen revealed massive amyloid deposits
in the wall of the large intestine as well as other vital organs.
Key words:
Amyloidosis - Mechanical obstruction - Gastrointestinal bleeding
