[Epidemiologic description of amyloidosis diagnosed at the University Hospital of Rennes from 1995 to 1999].
BACKGROUND
The frequency of amyloidosis is not well known in France. We compiled a register of amyloidosis diagnosed from 1995 to 1999 in the University Hospital of Rennes.


METHODS
This retrospective study was performed between 01 January 1995 and 31 december 1999. Diagnosis was assessed on positivity of red Congo by anatomopathology. Immunohistochemistry allowed the definition the type of amyloidosis. Clinical data, staging and outcome of patients were analysed.


RESULTS
Forty-three amyloidosis were diagnosed (27 women, 16 men) with an incidence of 8,6 new cases per year. Mean age was 63.7 years. Five diagnosis were realised in 1995, six in 1996, six in 1997, 12 in 1998, 14 in 1999. Twenty amyloidosis were AL type (46.5%), seven AA (16.3%), 1 beta2 microglobulin type, 15 (35%) remained of undetermined type. Thirty-three amyloidosis (77%) were systemic, 10 were localized to one organ (23%). When diagnosis was made, biopsies concerned affected organs in 86% of the cases, accessory sites (labial salivary glands, bone marrow) in only 14% of the cases. Twenty-five patients died (58%). Two deaths were treatment-related, 16 to amyloidois, seven patients died of another complaint.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased incidence of amyloidosis needs to be confirmed. We emphasize the importance of immunohistochemical typing on frozen samples, the value of accessory biopsies and the need for complete extension staging.
Cazalets
C
C
Service de médecine interne, hôpital Sud, 16, boulevard de Bulgarie BP 5612, 35056, Rennes, France. claire.cazalets@chu-rennes.fr <claire.cazalets@chu-rennes.fr>
Cador
B
B
Mauduit
N
N
Decaux
O
O
Ramée
M-P
MP
Le Pogamp
P
P
Laurent
M
M
Jego
P
P
Grosbois
B
B
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors