Colonic Complications from Gastrointestinal Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is the deposition of protein fibrils within tissues throughout the body. The accumulation of these proteins leads to multiple organ dysfunction including heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. In the gastrointestinal system, the accumulation of amyloid can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even uncontrollable bleeding. We present a patient with cirrhosis secondary to hepatic amyloidosis and hematochezia due to diffuse colonic submucosal hemorrhages. Understanding the effects amyloidosis has on the gastrointestinal system will allow us to better identify affected patientsand offer earlier therapy.