Tracheobronchial Amyloidosis, as an Uncommon Form of Amyloidosis: Evaluation with MDCT

Abstract

Tracheobronchial amyloidosis is a localised form of amyloidosis characterised by the accumulation of amyloid deposit in the trachea, main bronchi and segmentary bronchi. Although diffuse tracheobronchial amyloidosis is the most frequently seen form of primary pulmonary amyloidosis, this is a rare disease. It is demonstrated with symptoms such as progressive dyspnea, cough and haemoptysis. It may cause airway obstruction, atelectasis and recurrent bronchopulmonary infections. Although the proximal section of the tracheobronchial tree can be visualised with chest radiography and fluoroscopy, the basis for examination is computed tomography (CT). The tracheobronchial tree can be effectively evaluated with high resolution images provided by multidetector CT (MDCT) and the post-processing images of them (multiplanar reformations [MPR], minimum intensity projections [MinIP], 3D volume-rendered images (3D VR), virtual bronchoscopic images) (4). The clinical and radiological findings are here presented of a rarely encountered case of tracheal amyloidosis initially diagnosed with MDCT. Keywords: Tracheobronchial amyloidosis, MDCT, progressive dyspnea, airway obstruction, progressive dyspnea, haemoptysis.