title: Long-term survival in primary amyloidosis of the laryngotracheobronchial tract by treating complications only.
abstract: Primary amyloidosis limited to the laryngotracheobronchial tract is relatively uncommon; therefore, knowledge of survival in these patients is poor and consensus regarding appropriate therapy unreached. The case is reported of a patient affected by primary amyloidosis limited to the laryngotracheobronchial tract who had a long survival and a good quality of life after only medical and neodymium-yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd-YAG) laser therapy. The patient had amyloidosis first detected in the larynx, which, 4 yrs later, progressed to involve the tracheobronchial tract, without pulmonary involvement. The patient was treated three times with Nd-YAG laser to obtain the recanalization of obstructed bronchi, with evident improvement of symptoms and pulmonary function. In conclusion, laryngotracheobronchial amyloidosis survival may be lengthened and quality of life made more acceptable by treating potential complications only.
authors.affiliation: Cardiopulmonary Dept, University of Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mazzantini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pazzagli
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Cagno
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Menconi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Palla
mesh_terms: D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D001980:Bronchi; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*