Use of the potassium permanganate technique in the differential diagnosis of amyloidoses
Podzamczer, D.; Vidaller, A.; Sancho, S.; González, M.T.; Comellas, J.; Fernández Nogués, F.
Medicina Clinica 84(8): 305-307
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7753 PMID: 3982153 Document Number: 262588
The differential diagnosis of types of amyloidosis requires the use of complex techniques not available in many centers. The KMNO4 technique (PP) described by Wright et al in 35 patients with amyloidosis was studied. According to clinical and pathological criteria already accepted, the following diagnoses were made: 13 patients with primary amyloidosis (AL), 4 of them with multiple myeloma; 21 patients with secondary amyloidosis (AA), and 1 patient with localized pulmonary amyloidosis. The biopsy and necropsy specimens from the 35 patients treated with the PP technique showed that 77% of AL and the localized pulmonary amyloidosis were PP resistant; 2 were PP sensitive and 1 PP mixed. The 4 AL with multiple myeloma were PP resistant. All the 21 AA cases were PP sensitive. This rapid, simple and low cost technique is recommended for differentiating the different types of amyloidosis.