How to deal with laryngeal amyloidosis? Experience based on 16 cases

Introduction: Amyloidosis is characterized by the deposition of amorphous fibrillar protein (amyloid) in the intercellular or intracellular space. Localized amyloidosis is rare in the head and neck area. In Polish literature of the last decade it has been the subject of case studies. Aim: The goal of the study was to carry out a retrospective analysis of patients treated for amyloidosis in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences in the period from 2000 to 2009. Based on the collected clinical material, the authors made an attempt to determine the most frequent anatomical location of amyloid deposits and the most frequently affected organs, the type and duration of symptoms, the therapeutic approach, further diagnostic measures taken and the final outcome of the treatment. The next goal was to assess the number of microlaryngoscopies performed in patients with amyloidosis affecting the larynx as compared to the overall number of such procedures. Material: The detailed analysis included 16 patients with laryngeal amyloidosis. Results: Amyloidosis of the larynx was found in only 0.52% of patients undergoing microlaryngoscopies in the period from 2000 to 2009. In the vast majority of patients (11 of 16), there was no suspicion of amyloidosis in the initial diagnosis. Only the histopathological assessment definitely confirmed the nature of pathological changes in the larynx. Glottis was the most common location of amyloid deposits in the study group. In all cases, additional studies and long-term monitoring of the postoperative course excluded generalized amyloidosis. Conclusions: Laryngeal amyloidosis is very rare, however it should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with laryngeal dysfunction. Surgery remains the treatment of choice in most patients, although the attempts of radiotherapy are undertaken. Preserving the normal function of the organ remains the priority.