Pediatric localized amyloidosis in mesopharynx

Localized Amyloidosis Involving Palatine Tonsils: A Case Report and Literature Review

Amyloidosis is a localized or systemic process where extracellular insoluble plasma protein fibers are deposited into tissues. Localized amyloidosis is rare and curable by surgical resection. While the head and neck region represents 19% of localized amyloidosis cases, only one other case of bilateral involvement of the pharyngeal tonsils has been published in the international literature. We report a case of asymptomatic amyloidosis isolated to the bilateral palatine tonsils and a cervical lymph node in a 59-year-old male. Systemic amyloidosis was ruled out through multidisciplinary consultation, and resection of the masses was performed. This represents the second reported case of bilateral tonsillar amyloidosis.

Severe diffuse systemic amyloidosis with involvement of the pharynx, larynx, and trachea: CT and MR findings

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.