Severe rheumatoid arthritis complicated by AL amyloidosis

In nearly 60% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) systemic AA amyloidosis may develop which results from tissue accumulation of serum amyloid A. In this paper we present a 53-year old woman with severe RA complicated by AL amyloidosis. Refractory RA, rapid radiological progression, bilateral parotid enlargement caused by amyloid deposits, papillomatous changes on eyelids, in external ear ducts, and in the genital region were the clinical hallmarks. We briefly discuss this case in view of a similar case reported earlier, pointing out similarities and differences.

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