Localized amyloidosis of the nasal and paranasal mucosa: a rare pathology

Localized Amyloidosis of the Sphenoid Sinus: A Case Report and a Descriptive Literature Review

Amyloidosis is the process of extracellular deposition of protein fibrils and manifests pathologically as a systemic or localized process. Localized amyloidosis of the head and neck is uncommon, and involvement of the sphenoid sinus is exceedingly rare. We describe a case of localized amyloidosis isolated from the sphenoid sinus. A descriptive literature search was conducted to highlight presentation, management, and outcomes related to this pathology. Our patient was a 65-year-old male who presented to our clinic with nasal congestion and an incidental finding of a large expansile mass within the sphenoid sinuses. The mass was seen to displace the pituitary gland, and thus a multidisciplinary care approach ensued. The mass was removed via a transnasal endoscopic approach. Pathology revealed fibrocollagenous tissue with calcifications that were positive on Congo red staining. The patient underwent further workup to rule out systemic involvement, which was unremarkable. Based on the findings of his workup, he was ultimately diagnosed with localized amyloidosis. A comprehensive review of the literature revealed 25 other reported cases of localized amyloidosis within the sinonasal region, with only one other case of isolated sphenoid sinus disease. Common presenting symptoms are nonspecific and may mimic other, more frequently seen regional pathologies, including nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis. The treatment for localized disease is surgical resection. While localized amyloidosis within the sinonasal region is rare, it is important to recognize, work up, and treat it appropriately. A multidisciplinary team approach is necessary for appropriate diagnosis and management, and these patients should be followed closely after treatment.

Amyloidosis Localized to the Sinonasal Tract: From the Diagnosis to Management of Disease

Amyloidosis is a mainly systemic rare disease and its localized presentation is even less frequent. Systemic forms are often associated with other conditions or entities (such as neoplasms), and a correct etiological study of patients with this disease is essential. A localized presentation has a better prognosis compared to systemic forms, which underlines the importance of a correct diagnosis. Primary localized amyloidosis in the head and neck region is a rare entity. Primary amyloidosis localized to the sinonasal tract is extremely rare. Although uncommon, case reports have been increasing in the face of new endoscopic and imaging techniques, and the report of these cases is crucial for a better characterization of this entity. Symptoms may include epistaxis, nasal obstruction, facial deformity, and vision changes. A 72-year-old female with a history of frequent nasal congestion with two years' duration showed no improvement following symptom management. She was referred for nasal endoscopy and biopsy, thereby confirming the diagnosis of amyloidosis. Further diagnostic testing did not show evidence of systemic disease. This case report was previously presented as a poster presentation at the 19th European Congress of Internal Medicine in March 2021.

Localized Amyloidosis of the Nasal Mucosa: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Amyloidosis is a disorder of protein folding in which various proteins automatically aggregate into a highly abnormal fibrillar conformation. Amyloidosis is classified into systemic and localized forms depending on whether the abnormal proteins deposited in several different organs or only a single organ. In localized amyloidosis of the head and neck regions, laryngeal amyloidosis is common; however, localized amyloidosis of the nose is extremely rare. We herein report a case of localized amyloidosis of the nose and review the relevant literature on localized sinonasal amyloidosis. A 41-year-old man presented with a history of severe nasal obstruction, which had persisted for two decades. Nasal endoscopy and imaging studies showed extensive thickening of the bilateral nasal mucosa and diffuse submucosal deposition of calcification. After histopathological and systemic examinations, he was diagnosed with localized amyloidosis of the nasal mucosa. Septoplasty and bilateral inferior turbinoplasty, which consisted of mucosal resection using an ultrasonic bone curette, was performed and his symptoms markedly improved. Localized sinonasal amyloidosis has a good prognosis and surgical resection should be selected as a first-line treatment; however, clinicians should recognize the high probability of recurrence.

A Case of Primary Systemic Amyloidosis Involving the Sinonasal Tract

We present a case of primary systemic amyloidosis diagnosed by endoscopic sinus surgery. A 75-year-old woman had blurred vision in her left eye; computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed shadows of the bilateral paranasal sinuses. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed, and amyloidosis was diagnosed by histopathology. She had previously been diagnosed with amyloidosis of the stomach, and therefore, she was diagnosed with primary systemic amyloidosis. A systemic workup for additional amyloid deposits revealed no evidence of other diseases. The patient remained under follow-up without further treatment, as no further amyloid deposition or progression of the lesions was seen. Amyloidosis is a rare condition characterized by the deposition of abnormal protein filaments in the extracellular tissue. Generally, systemic amyloidosis does not involve the head and neck region, and the presence of amyloid in the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa is more likely to be indicative of a localized process. However, in our patient, the lesions were located in both the sinonasal tract and the stomach, indicating systemic amyloidosis. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of systemic amyloidosis involving the sinonasal tract, and therefore, we consider this case to be extremely rare.

Idiopathic Isolated Nasal Amyloidosis: Report of a Rare Case with Review of Literature

Deposition of amyloid in localized form is rare and most often involves head and neck region. Localized amyloidosis carries good prognosis with surgical debridement offering symptomatic benefit. We present an adolescent male presenting with localized sinonasal amyloidosis managed previously with conservative surgical debridement. The patient was symptomatic from early childhood and the previous histopathological reports were non-specific inflammation. A repeat biopsy revealed features of amyloidosis and retrospective review of past slides revealed the same. On explaining the course of the disease and prognosis, the patient opted for regular follow up. A pertinent comprehensive literature review of the condition is discussed.

Sinonasal Globular Amyloidosis Simulating Malignancy: A Rare Presentation

Primary localized amyloidosis in the head and neck region is a rare entity. The most commonly involved organ is larynx. Primary amyloidosis localized to the sinonasal tract is extremely rare. We report one such case along with a brief review of the associated literature. The aim of reporting this case is to emphasize the fact that sometimes nasal amyloidosis can also present with signs and symptoms of nasal and nasopharyngeal malignancy. The definitive diagnosis in such cases depends upon histopathology and further confirmed by immunohistochemistry. A 55-year old male presented with recurrent episodes of nasal bleed, bilateral nasal obstruction, and bilateral hearing loss from last 7 years. On clinical examination a mass was found in the nasal cavity on both sides reaching up to the nasopharynx. Contrast enhanced CT scan revealed that the mass was extending up to the skull base and destroying bony landmarks of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Mass was proved to be amyloidosis after histopathological examination. It showed multiple blotches of globular submucosal deposit of amyloid, on staining with Congo red. Immunohistochemistry confirmed AL amyloidosis with expression of mixed kappa and lambda light chain immunoglobulin (κ > λ). No evidence of systemic amyloidosis was found after proper work up. It was managed by conservative surgery.

Primary localized amyloidosis of the nose

Two rare cases of primary localized amyloidosis of the nose are described. A 14-year-old woman presented with anosmia, facial pain, and recurrent episodes of bilateral epistaxis persisting for 2 years. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed and amyloidosis was diagnosed. Amyloid was also found in the trachea. A 27-year-old woman presented with decreased bilateral hearing and recurrent episodes of bilateral epistaxis. Tympanostomy tube placement was performed and observation continued. The optimum treatment of amyloidosis of the nose has not yet established. We consider that the treatment should depend on the extent of the amyloidosis.