Primary amyloidosis with dry eyes and dry mouth--a case report.

Abstract

We report a rare case of dry eyes and dry mouth caused by primary amyloidosis. A 66-year-old woman with keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia died of acute respiratory failure. Shirmer's test, gum test, and sialography indicated Sjögren's syndrome. Lip biopsy revealed amyloid deposition around the salivary ducts. Bence-Jones protein was noted in the urine. At autopsy, amyloid deposition was identified histochemically in many organs, mainly on the vessel walls. Primary amyloidosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome.