[Amyloidosis and orthostatic hypotension. Physiopathology, therapeutic attempts. Apropos of 5 cases].

Three cases of primary amyloidosis and 2 cases of familial amyloidosis complicated by asympathicotonic orthostatic hypotension are reported. Blood pressure measurements on a tilting table, plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone or catecholamine concentrations enabled localisation of the lesion of the baroreceptor reflex in some cases. When the pre- and post-synaptic efferent sympathetic pathway was intact, treatment associating Tyramine and Tranylcypromine may provide these bedridden patients some autonomy of movement. When this pathway is affected by the disease the association of Indomethacin, Dihydroergotamine and 9-alpha-fluorohydrocortisone may be tried.