Severe Diffuse Systemic Amyloidosis with Involvement of the Pharynx, Larynx, and Trachea: CT and MR Findings

• Published in: American Journal of Neuroradiology Vol. 28; no. 8; pp. 1557 - 1558
• Main Authors: Gilad, R, Milillo, P, Som, P.M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oak Brook, IL Am Soc Neuroradiology 01-09-2007; American Society of Neuroradiology
• Subjects: Airway Obstruction - etiology; Amyloidosis - complications; Amyloidosis - diagnosis; Biological and medical sciences; Female; Head & Neck; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Larynx - diagnostic imaging; Larynx - pathology; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nervous system; Pharynx - diagnostic imaging; Pharynx - pathology; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Respiratory System - diagnostic imaging; Respiratory System - pathology; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Trachea - diagnostic imaging; Trachea - pathology; Respiratory tract; Nervous system diseases; Radiodiagnosis; Metabolic diseases; Amyloidosis; Larynx; Computerized axial tomography; Respiratory system; Enzymopathy; Pharynx; Trachea; Protein
• ISSN: 0195-6108; 1936-959X; 1432-1920
• DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A0604

Amyloidosis is a term applied to a diverse group of disorders that share the deposition of amyloid protein in various extracellular tissues. Systemic amyloidosis may involve almost any organ system in the body including regions in the head and neck; however, pharyngeal involvement is rare, with only 12 cases having been previously reported. Ten of these cases were localized disease, and only 2 cases were systemic amyloidosis. We present the case of a patient with severe diffuse systemic amyloidosis with extensive involvement of the pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs, eyelids, and breasts. We also review the imaging characteristics and pertinent literature.