Dialysis-related amyloidosis revisited.

OBJECTIVE: Dialysis-related amyloidosis occurs secondarily to the deposition of beta(2)-microglobulin. Dialysis-related amyloidosis predominantly involves the osteoarticular system and is clinically manifested by erosive and destructive osteoarthropathies, destructive spondyloarthropathy, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This article illustrates the radiographic, sonographic, CT, and MRI findings of dialysis-related amyloid arthropathies.

CONCLUSION: Dialysis-related amyloidosis is characterized by various imaging appearances. In evaluating amyloidosis, MRI provides considerably more information than that obtained from conventional radiographic, CT, and sonographic studies.