Turkish Archives of Otorhinolaryngology (Sep 2003)
A Case of Laryngeal Amyloidosis
Abstract
Amyloidosis is characterized by accumulation of an abnormal fibrillary protein in the intercellular space of different tissues and organs. It may be localized or systemic, with primary or secondary forms. Although laryngeal amyloidosis is a rare entity, larynx is the mostly involved site in the upper respiratory tract. Seventy eight-year old female patient with a complaint of respiratory distress, had intercostal-supraclavicular retractions and inspiratory stridors. Whitish-gray granules were identified by indirect laryngoscopy in subglottic area. Tracheotomy was performed. After that, whitish-gray granules constricting ratio of ninety percent subglottic passage in annular fashion were detected in suspension microlaryngoscopy. Punch biopsy was performed. Pathology was reported as laryngeal amyloidosis. Without any therapy, laryngeal amyloidosis spontaneously regressed.