A Case of Tracheobronchial Amyloidosis and A Review of Clinical Features in 13 Cases Reported in Japan

Abstract

A 55-year-old male was admitted to our hospital on the suspicion of lung cancer because of bronchoscopic findings. He had been treated for bronchial asthma for two years. Amyloid deposition was demonstrated in the bronchial submucosa by transbronchoscopic biopsy. Thirteen cases of tracheobronchial amyloidosis have been reported in Japan. Compared with cases reported in other countries, hemoptysis is seldom seen in Japan. As bronchoscopic findings are very similar with those of lung cancer, biopsy is essential to establish the correct diagnosis. Laser therapy can be useful to relieve the symptoms in some cases.