Amyloidosis of the head and neck. A clinicopathologic study of the UCLA experience, 1955-1991.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the otolaryngologic manifestations of amyloidosis; classify patients with amyloidosis by specific location and type of underlying disease; and compare disease presentation and long-term outcome in these patients.


METHODS
Retrospective review of biopsy specimens recorded as amyloidosis.


METHODS
Tertiary care referral center serving a diverse patient base.


METHODS
Of 141 patients with biopsy-verified amyloidosis who met the inclusion criterion for the study, 27 (19%) had head and neck manifestations.


METHODS
Good functional outcome and survival of patients with amyloidosis.


RESULTS
The tongue was the most commonly affected site of the head and neck. Distinct differences exist in functional outcome and long-term survival in patients with the localized form of amyloidosis when compared with patients with systemic amyloidosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Because amyloidosis often affects the head and neck, otolaryngologists need to be familiar with this disease.
Kerner
M M
MM
Division of Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, USA.
Wang
M B
MB
Angier
G
G
Calcaterra
T C
TC
Ward
P H
PH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000473:pathology*; D001706:Biopsy; D002140:California; D005260:Female; D006257:Head / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012577:Schools, Medical