Utility of subcutaneous fat aspiration for diagnosing amyloidosis in patients with isolated peripheral neuropathy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of subcutaneous fat aspiration in patients with sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients undergoing subcutaneous fat aspiration for suspected amyloidosis from January 1, 1994, through December 31,1999. We classified patients undergoing subcutaneous fat aspiration due to peripheral neuropathy into 2 groups: (A) those with isolated peripheral neuropathy and (B) those with any family history and laboratory or clinical findings typically associated with systemic amyloidosis.


RESULTS
The study population consisted of 450 patients with peripheral neuropathy in whom fat aspiration was performed for suspected amyloidosis. This constituted 56% of all fat aspirations performed during the study period. Group A had 143 patients, and group B had 307 patients. None of the patients in group A had a positive subcutaneous fat aspirate, whereas 17 patients (6%) in group B had a positive subcutaneous fat aspirate (P=.002, Fisher exact test). The subcutaneous fat aspirate was most commonly positive in patients with a monoclonal protein or other clinical findings associated with amyloidosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The yield of a subcutaneous fat aspirate in patients with isolated peripheral neuropathy and no other associated family history, signs, or symptoms of amyloidosis is low. Subcutaneous fat aspiration should be reserved for evaluating patients with peripheral neuropathy who also have findings associated with systemic amyloidosis.
Andrews
Tricia R
TR
Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA.
Colon-Otero
Gerardo
G
Calamia
Kenneth T
KT
Menke
David M
DM
Boylan
Kevin B
KB
Kyle
Robert A
RA
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies