SYSTEMIC OR LOCALIZED AMYLOIDOSIS - USEFU LNESS OF SERUM AMYLOID-P COMPONENT SCINTIGRAPHY AND LABIAL SALIVARY-GLAND BIOPSY

We evaluated the value of serum amyloid P component scintigraphy (I-12 3-SAP) and labial salivary gland biopsy in four patients with apparent ly localized amyloidosis. One patient had pharyngal amyloidosis, the s econd laryngal amyloidosis, the third retro-ocular amyloidosis and the fourth had carpal tunnel syndrome. Three patients (no 2, no 3, no 4) have abnormal whole body retention of I-123-SAP and positive labial sa livary gland biopsy for amyloidosis. Only the first patient had effect ively localized amyloidosis and local treatment was sufficient. Melpha lan was given to the patients no 2 and no 3, colchicine was given to t he patient no 4. Labial salivary gland biopsy and I-123-SAP scintigrap hy may give positive argument for the diagnosis of systemic amyloidosi s in patients with apparently localized amyloidosis.