Title:Multiple Myeloma Associated Intestinal Amyloidosis: Intestinal Pseudoobstruction Falsely Considered as an Ascites
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Author(s): Vladimir Milivojevic*, Maja Stojanovic, Ivan Rankovic, Marjan Micev, Rada Jesic Vukicevic and Tomica Milosavljevic
Affiliation:
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade,Serbia
Keywords:
Amyloidosis, ascites, case-report, haemodialysis, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, multiple myeloma.
Abstract: Introduction: Amyloidosis is a group of diseases pathohistologically diagnosed by characteristic
extracellular deposition of an abnormal fibrillary protein (i.e. amyloid) into organs, leading to
organ dysfunction secondary to destruction of normal tissue architecture.
Methods: Case-report of a 44 year-old female, presenting with massive abdominal distension clinically
suspected of ascites.
Results: On admission, the patient was complaining of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, distension
and bloating associated with weight loss and diarrhoea. Her prior medical history revealed a treatment
naïve viral hepatitis C (HCV) infection with normal liver tests. She was on long term haemodialysis
due to end-stage renal disease. Based on clinical, laboratory and radiology findings we established the
diagnosis of light chain amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma, complicated with amyloid
bowel depositions and intestinal pseudo-obstruction. On imaging, diffuse liver enlargement was seen.
Liver biopsy could have rendered the possible cause of hepatomegaly, but patient’s noncompliance
hindered the answer whether liver involvement was the consequence of a chronic hepatitis due to
HCV infection or amyloid accumulation. Unfortunately, consequent patient’s death prevented specific
treatment implementation.
Conclusion: Patients with multiple myeloma and obscure abdominal complaints should be worked up
for amyloidosis. Intestinal pseudo-obstruction due to amyloidosis can imitate in certain instances ascites
hence complicating diagnostic algorithm. In such complex clinical cases, close collaboration between
surgeon, gastroenterohepatologist and haematologist is necessary.