Diagnostic value of accessory salivary gland biopsy in amyloidosis.

Purpose. - To assess the value of accessory salivary gland biopsy for the d iagnosis of amyloidosis, a study was conducted in the nephrology nod hemodi alysis department at Ibn Rochd University Hospital from February 1996 to Ja nuary 1998. Methods. - Renal amyloidosis was confirmed by renal biopsy accompanying acc essory salivary gland biopsy. Result. - The patient's mean age was 39 years old (range 15-80), with a 4:1 -male/female ratio. An infectious cause (either tuberculosis or superinfect ion and dilatation of the bronchi) was the most frequent (70% of the cases) etiology. All the patients presented renal symptomatology. Nephrotic syndr ome predominated. Amyloid deposits were observed in 100% of renal needle bi opsies and in 80% of accessory salivary gland biopsies. Conclusion. - Renal biopsy led to more positive cases than the other biopsi es. It may be accompanied by severe complications. Furthermore, biopsy of t he accessory salivary glands is a simple and very reliable technique for th e diagnosis of amyloidosis. It is currently the best diagnostic test. (C) 1 999 Elsevier, Paris.