[Systemic amyloidosis: clinico-pathologic study of 69 cases].

A series of 69 cases of systemic amyloidosis is discussed (12 primaries; 7 due to myeloma; 44 reactive; 5 due to familiar mediterranean fever and 1 portuguese familiar polyneuropathy) in which their clinical aspects, topographical distribution of the deposit and histochemical characteristics are studied using the potassium permanganate technique. According to sings and symptoms of presentation and topography there is a remarkable overlapping in the five types of amyloidosis. Only macroglossia was more frequent in primary amyloidosis (p less than 0.001). However the potassium permanganate technique can help in the classification. Considering the first clinical diagnosis. 83% of primary amyloidosis and 100% of amyloidosis due to myeloma, were resistant to permanganate. 84% of reactive amyloidosis and 100% of familiar mediterranean fever, were sensitive. The only case of portuguese familiar polyneuropathy showed resistance.