Primary systemic amyloidosis is a rare disease. It occurs in the absence of predisposing diseases and is characterized by deposition of amyloid chiefly in the tongue, the alimentary tract and the heart. Koletsky and Stecher1 recently reviewed 24 cases of this disease reported in the American and foreign literature and added 2 cases of their own. Two additional cases have since been reported.2
The following case involved an example of this disease with primary involvement of the alimentary tract; it presents several unusual features.
REPORT OF A CASE
M. T., a 66 year old Negress, was admitted to the medical service of the Grady Hospital in July 1943, with the chief complaint of massive hematemesis three hours before admission.
History.
—The patient had been seen frequently in the outpatient clinic since 1927, when she came to the hospital because of constipation and poor appetite. At that time she appeared