title: [Joint involvement in AL amyloidosis].
abstract: This review is aimed at defining the frequency, the clinical, biological and radiological presentation and the therapeutic possibilities for AL amyloid arthropathies. The frequency of AL amyloid arthropathy is estimated to be between 2 and 5%. There is usually a bilaterally progressive symmetrical arthritis of multiple joints (predominantly in the upper limb joints) with a chronic evolution. Neurologic or cutaneous symptoms are common. The analysis of synovial fluid sediments is a key test for the diagnosis of amyloid arthropathy. Patients with amyloid arthropathy must be screened for monoclonal gammapathies. The synovectomy is the best symptomatic treatment. A better knowledge of the pathogenesis of amyloid deposits should permit to improve therapeutical strategies.
authors.affiliation: Service de Médecine Interne et Maladies Infectieuses, Centre François-Magendie, Hôpital du Haut-Lévêque, Pessac.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Blanco
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Viallard
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bonotto
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Buy
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Pellegrin
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Leng
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000682:Amyloid / Q000032:analysis*; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D001168:Arthritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000682:Amyloid; C035222:amyloid protein AL