Rare Ailment Afflicts Mayor of Pittsburgh

Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri said today he is suffering from a rare, life-threatening disease, but said he is not impaired and will not resign.

Caliguiri, 55, said he is suffering from amyloidosis, a disease that attacks vital tissues and organs. He said the disease was diagnosed 6 1/2 months ago, after he fell ill while playing golf.

Caliguiri’s doctors said the disease is so rare and poorly understood that there is no reliable way of forecasting its consequences, the Pittsburgh Press said today.

The mayor, a Democrat who has been in office for 10 1/2 years, earlier had announced his intention to seek reelection in 1989.

“I have been and remain today fully capable of discharging my responsibility as mayor,” he said in a statement.

Amyloidosis deposits protein substances in tissues and organs, leading to impairment and possible failure of the heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, nervous system, joints, skin and blood.

Caliguiri said his heart and gastrointestinal system have been affected.