Amyloid myopathy: characteristic features of a still underdiagnosed disease

Muscle Nerve. 2005 Feb;31(2):266-72. doi: 10.1002/mus.20169.

Abstract

A 62-year-old man with progressive proximal weakness underwent extensive evaluation including muscle biopsy without a clear diagnosis being established. A repeat muscle biopsy including Congo red-stained sections revealed infiltration of blood-vessel walls and endomysium with amyloid protein, as well as an unusual pattern of pathologic changes to muscle fibers. From a review of 79 cases of amyloid myopathy reported in the English-language literature, the characteristic features of this disorder are described. Congo red-stained sections of muscle biopsy viewed under fluorescent or polarized optics, and serum or urine protein immunoelectrophoresis, play an important role in the evaluation of myopathy. Amyloid myopathy should be a consideration in adults with progressive neuromuscular weakness of uncertain cause.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amyloidosis / complications
  • Amyloidosis / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Weakness / complications
  • Muscle Weakness / diagnosis
  • Muscle, Skeletal / chemistry
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology*
  • Muscular Diseases / complications
  • Muscular Diseases / diagnosis*