Electron microscopic characteristics of beta2-microglobulin amyloid deposits in long-term haemodialysis

Ultrastruct Pathol. 2005 Nov-Dec;29(6):483-91. doi: 10.1080/01913120500323431.

Abstract

The electron microscopic features of beta2-microglobulin amyloid, deposited in the synovial membrane, are presented and discussed. The patient, a 69-year-old woman underwent chronic hemodialysis for 3 years. Because of constant pain and destructive arthropathy, endoprosthesis of the hip joints were implanted. Extra- and intracellular filamentous-fibrillar amyloid deposits have been demonstrated in ultrathin sections. The extracellular amyloid deposits showed a loose, filamentous or fibrillar structure at the periphery and a dense central core. The loose, filamentous structure may represent an early stage of fresh, newly deposited beta2-microglobulin amyloid, while the condensed and fragmented amyloid filaments may be an advanced "mature" stage of amyloid deposition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amyloid / ultrastructure*
  • Amyloidosis / etiology
  • Amyloidosis / pathology
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip
  • Female
  • Hip Joint / pathology
  • Hip Joint / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Joint Diseases / etiology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Renal Dialysis* / adverse effects
  • Synovial Membrane / ultrastructure*
  • Time Factors
  • beta 2-Microglobulin / ultrastructure*

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • beta 2-Microglobulin