Localized amyloidosis of the respiratory system: CT features.
OBJECTIVE
Amyloidosis includes a spectrum of diseases associated with an abnormal extracellular deposition of amyloid. The respiratory system is involved in approximately 50% of patients with amyloidosis. The purpose of this review is to present the CT findings of localized amyloidosis of the respiratory system.


METHODS
We reviewed the CT findings of localized amyloidosis of the respiratory system from the previous reports and our experiences.


RESULTS
Three patterns of involvement in respiratory system are presented: tracheobronchial nodular and diffuse parenchymal. CT demonstrates nodules, plaques, or diffuse thickening of the airways with calcification. Postobstructive collapse is associated in case of diffuse airway involvement. Parenchymal nodules have sharp and lobulated margins with peripheral or subpleural locations. High-resolution CT shows reticular opacities, interlobular septal thickening, and small, well-defined nodules of 2 to 4-mm in diameter predominantly in the subpleural regions.


CONCLUSIONS
Amyloidosis of respiratory system has variable findings and CT scans clearly depict extent and distribution of the disease, its postobstructive pulmonary complication, and other associated findings such as calcification and lymphadenopathy.
Kim
H Y
HY
Department of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Im
J G
JG
Song
K S
KS
Lee
K S
KS
Kim
S J
SJ
Kim
J S
JS
Lee
J S
JS
Lim
T H
TH
D000368:Aged; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed