Proximal esophageal amyloidoma presenting with life-threatening dysphagia

Ear Nose Throat J. 2009 Jun;88(6):E4.

Abstract

Amyloidoses are abnormal deposits of insoluble proteins in tissues that can lead to tissue dysfunction. Although elderly patients often have amyloid deposition in the gastrointestinal tract, they are usually asymptomatic. When symptoms are present, they are most often functional in nature; rarely are they caused by a localized amyloid deposition (amyloidoma). We report the case of an elderly man who presented with severe dysphagia secondary to an upper esophageal amyloidoma. Unfortunately, the patient died of his disease before management could be instituted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amyloidosis / complications*
  • Amyloidosis / pathology
  • Biopsy
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology*
  • Deglutition Disorders / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Esophageal Diseases / complications*
  • Esophageal Diseases / pathology
  • Esophagoscopy / adverse effects
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / adverse effects