Diagnosis of primary diffuse amyloidosis of large airways by multi-slice CT
DENG Yu1, LIANG Chang-hong2, LIU Zai-yi2, WU Xiao-mei1, ZENG Qing-si1
1. Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University,Guangzhou 510120, China; 2. Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences/Department of Radiology,Guangdong General Hospital, Guangzhou 510080, China
Abstract：Objective: To study multi-slice CT findings of primary diffuse amyloidosis of large airways. Methods: The CT features including lesion location, morphology, wall thickness and density, lumen changes were reviewed in 7 consecutive patients pathologically proved tracheabronchial amyloidosis. Results: The lesions were continuous. Larynx to trachea was involved in 1 case. The trachea to the first, third, fourth and fifth degree of bronchus was involved in 1 cases, 1 case, 2 cases and 2 cases, respectively. The wall of airway was circumferentially thickened with a range from 3.2 mm to 5.9 mm(median 5.5 mm). The inner margin of tracheal or bronchial wall appeared as nodular in 5 cases and smooth in 2 cases. Nodular, patchy or circular calcification of wall was seen in 6 cases with a predilection for bronchi than trachea. Lumen stenosis was seen in all 7 cases. Complete occlusion of the bronchus was seen in 1 case. Conclusion: The multi-slice CT findings of primary diffuse amyloidosis of large airways are continuous and circumferential airway wall thickening, which often results in irregular narrowing of lumen. Calcification of airway wall especially bronchi is very common.
2014, Vol. 25 
