Incidence of Amyloidosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Some Clinical Observations

Abstract

The incidence of amyloidosis was determined by means of rectal biopsies in a series of 54 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Amyloidosis was found in 6 patients, an incidence of 11%. In 2 patients with a negative rectal biopsy, a subsequent renal biopsy revealed amyloidosis. No relationship could be demonstrated between the duration of the RA and the appearance of amyloidosis. Some connection could be demonstrated between the severity of the arthritis and the appearance of amyloidosis. Of 9 patients with amyloidosis clinically reviewed, 3 presented with the nephrotic syndrome. Four other patients had but a trace of proteinuria, and 2 patients presented no proteinuria. It is suggested that rectal biopsy should be performed in every case of RA arousing clinical suspicion of amyloidosis.