Localised laryngotracheal amyloidosis: a differential diagnosis not to forget

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Feb 1;14(2):e237954. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-237954.

Abstract

We present a case of multifocal laryngotracheal amyloidosis (LTA) in a 43-year-old man with persistent and progressive dysphonia and dyspnoea, and a first inconclusive histology. Although laryngeal amyloidosis accounts for fewer than 1% of all benign laryngeal tumours, it is in fact the most common site of amyloid deposition in the head, neck and respiratory tract. The clinical scenario is non-specific and diagnosis depends on a high degree of suspicion and on histology. Imaging is useful in mapping lesions, which are often more extensive than they appear during laryngoscopy. Despite being a benign entity, the prognosis is variable with a high-rate and long-latency recurrences, requiring long-term follow-up.

Keywords: ear; nose and throat/otolaryngology; otolaryngology / ENT; pathology; radiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Dysphonia / physiopathology
  • Dyspnea / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis / diagnosis*
  • Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis / pathology
  • Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis / physiopathology
  • Laryngeal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Laryngeal Diseases / pathology
  • Laryngeal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tracheal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tracheal Diseases / pathology
  • Tracheal Diseases / physiopathology