Amyloidosis is usually considered as a cause of motor disorders of the esophagus, including achalasia. However, most patients with amyloid in the esophagus are AL-type amyloid. We report what we believe is the fourth case of secondary amyloidosis (AA-type) resulting from rheumatoid arthritis. Clinically and radiologically the picture was that of achalasia. © 1990, Raven Press, Ltd., New York.