[Amyloidosis and its bronchopulmonary localizations. Apropos of 3 cases].

Abstract

Amyloidosis of the lower respiratory tract is a rare condition. We report three new cases and we review the literature. Tracheobronchial amyloidosis is the most frequent form. The diagnostic is made by fiberoscopy and biopsies with a risk of bleeding. Our patients were usually treated with intermittent bronchoscopic resections. In one of the three cases reported, desobstruction of the large airway was performed with laser. Nodular pulmonary amyloidosis is usually asymptomatic, and surgical resection results in cure in all cases. Diffuse pulmonary amyloidosis is very unusual and fatal.