Application of Gingival and Tongue Biopsy in Diagnosis of Amyloidosis

  Objective  To evaluate and compare the diagnostic values of gingival and tongue biopsies in amyloidosis.

  Methods  We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 32 amyloidosis patients who underwent gingival and tongue biopsies in Department of Stomatology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 2012 to July 2013. Among them, 24 patients received abdominal fat biopsy in Department of General Surgery in the same period. Specimens were sliced in routine process, followed by staining with HE and Congo red.

  Results  On light microscopy, amyloidosis was demonstrated as pink stains in HE staining, brick red in Congo red staining, and in polarized light, apple-green birefringent deposits. Gingival biopsy was positive in 22 cases, tongue biopsy in 23 cases, and abdominal fat biopsy in 19 cases. In total, 29 amyloidosis cases were confirmed by gingival and tongue biopsies (positive rate 90.63%). Chi-squared test revealed no statistically significant difference between gingival biopsy and tongue biopsy in detecting amyloidosis (P > 0.05).

  Conclusion  Gingival and tongue biopsies can both provide solid diagnostic evidence in amyloidosis.