Spectrum of joint disorders seen with dialysis-related amyloidosis:
(1) chronic arthralgias involving shoulders, knees, wrist and small hand joints
(2) periarticular soft tissue swelling
(3) recurrent hemarthroses
(4) chronic tenosynovitis
(5) destructive arthropathy of large peripheral joints
(6) destructive spondylarthropathy involving the spine
Other orthopedic disorders
(1) carpal tunnel syndrome
(2) bone cysts which can result in pathologic fractures
(3) subchondral bone erosions
CT can often demonstrate changes to the bone while MRI may identify amyloid deposits in soft tissue.
The beta2-microglobulin can be demonstrated in biopsies if sufficient amounts are present.
The patient may develop impaired joint mobility and chronic pain, which can result in significant disability.
