Restless Legs and Orthostatic Hypotension in Primary Amyloidosis

Abstract

PRIMARY amyloidosis is a multisystem disease which may present in myriad ways such as congestive heart failure, purpura, gastrointestinal disturbances, and nephrotic syndrome.^1-3 Involvement of the autonomic and peripheral nervous system may also occur. A case of primary amyloidosis is reported in which severe orthostatic hypotension and the restless leg syndrome were the initial manifestations. The restless leg syndrome has not previously been reported in primary amyloidosis. Diagnostic difficulties in this disease, even when its presence is suspected, are emphasized. Report of a Case A 46-year-old woman was admitted to this hospital on Dec 24, 1964, with a three-month history of persistent and distressing pains in the lower extremities, partially relieved by keeping the legs in constant motion. She also complained of light-headedness and dizziness when assuming the upright position. She was found to have proteinuria at another hospital where orthostatic hypotension was first observed. Results of a