Duodenal perforation in primary systemic amyloidosis.

Spontaneous duodenal perforation in two patients with primary systemic amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma is described. Bowel perforation is a rare and often fatal complication of amyloidosis, and duodenal perforation has not been previously described. Both patients survived the bowel perforation with conservative management. Bowel perforation should be suspected in patients with amyloidosis presenting with acute abdominal pain, and active non-surgical management can be associated with prolonged survival.