title: Diaphragm paralysis in primary systemic amyloidosis.
abstract: A patient with primary (AL) systemic amyloidosis developed mononeuropathy multiplex complicated by diaphragmatic failure. High dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation did not ameliorate neuropathy or diaphragm dysfunction. Nocturnal non-invasive ventilation lowered arterial carbon dioxide levels and improved daytime dyspnea. This is the first case associating AL amyloid-induced neuropathy with diaphragm dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: The Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118, USA. jberk@lung.bumc.bu.edu
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Berk
authors.forename: Janice F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Wiesman
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Skinner
authors.forename: Vaishali
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sanchorawala
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017772:Amyloid Neuropathies / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012133:Respiratory Paralysis / Q000503:physiopathology*