[Amyloidosis of the intestinal tract (author's transl)]

Abstract

Amyloidosis may afflict different organs of the body and thus cause a variety of clinical symptoms. Amyloidosis of the gastro-intestinal tract can mimic several gastric and intestinal disorders, as for instance disturbances of motility, vascular processes and tumors. The amyloid infiltrates the tissue affected, replaces it and thus cause insufficient organ function. The disease usually progresses slowly, in some cases however, acutely life threatening situations may occur. Biopsy of the rectal mucosa will allow to establish the diagnosis; generalized amyloidosis was present in about 80% of the cases analysed. A medical management has to be done.