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Amyloidosis of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract
Author(s) -
Pribitkin Edmund,
Friedman Oren,
O'Hara Brian,
Cunnane Mary F.,
Levi David,
Rosen Marc,
Keane William M.,
Sataloff Robert T.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-200312000-00007
Subject(s) - amyloidosis , medicine , larynx , laryngoscopy , surgery , amyloid (mycology) , retrospective cohort study , pathology , intubation
Objectives/Hypothesis To delineate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of upper aerodigestive tract amyloidosis with particular attention to laryngeal amyloidosis. Study Design Retrospective chart review of patients with amyloidosis of Thomas Jefferson University and its affiliated hospitals. Material and Methods The charts of 16 patients with upper aerodigestive tract amyloidosis identified from the databases of the Thomas Jefferson University pathology department were reviewed and included in the study. Results Sixteen patients (9 male and 7 female, with an average age of 49.8 years) with upper aerodigestive tract amyloidosis were identified. The most common site of amyloid involvement was the larynx. Consequently, patients most commonly presented with hoarseness (14 of 16). All patients underwent surgical removal of the amyloid deposits. Fourteen patients had primary localized amyloidosis. Two experienced systemic involvement. Seven of the 16 patients developed recurrences requiring further treatment. Conclusions Amyloidosis of the upper aerodigestive tract generally behaves as a benign, localized condition treatable by surgical resection. Regular follow‐up with laryngoscopy is indicated for early diagnosis of recurrence, and multiple surgical procedures may be required to control symptoms.