[Aortic amyloidosis in adult life (author's transl)].

Aortic amyloid deposits were found in 53% of adult subjects (mean age 47.5 years). They appeared to be localized mainly in the mediaintimal border zone and the internal third of the aortic media, and were not usually related to atherosclerotic lesions. The thoracic aorta was more extensively and frequently involved than the abdominal. It was concluded that aortic amyloidosis: 1. is progressive in its extent and distribution 2. does not seem to be related to atherosclerosis 3. should not be considered to be a form of senile amyloidosis, but rather a peculiar microfocal amyloidosis of the aorta.