Amyloid deposition in a renal allograft in a case of amyloidosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis.

A case of amyloidosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis is presented in which renal transplantation was performed. Five years after transplantation the patient died following an episode of acute pancreatitis. During the intervening period the rheumatoid arthritis was considered quiescent, but his course was marked by several infectious processes caused by unusual organisms. The allograft function remained normal. Apart from renal amyloid the autopsy showed extensive generalized amyloidosis, most marked in vessel walls and endocrine organs. Amyloid deposits were located exclusively in the vessel walls of the transplanted kidney.