External ophthalmoplegia as the presenting feature of systemic amyloidosis.

INTRODUCTION

Amyloidosis is a multi-system disease characterised by the intracellular deposition of beta-pleated sheets of amyloid. It can involve the eye, orbit and ocular adnexae.

METHOD: We describe a case of a 58-year-old woman presenting to the eye department with external ophthalmoplegia, including the findings of various investigations. The spectrum of ocular amyloidosis is discussed.

CONCLUSION

Amyloidosis may be the underlying diagnosis in some cases of external ophthalmoplegia with findings atypical to other systemic disease.