Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Establishment of a Severe Dry Eye Model Using Complete Dacryoadenectomy in Rabbits
Published on: January 8, 2020
Amyloidosis of the upper aerodigestive tract
Edmund Pribitkin1, Oren Friedman, Brian O'Hara
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1721 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Objectives/Hypothesis:
To delineate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of upper aerodigestive tract amyloidosis with particular attention to laryngeal amyloidosis.
Study Design:
Retrospective chart review of patients with amyloidosis of Thomas Jefferson University and its affiliated hospitals.
Material And Methods:
The charts of 16 patients with upper aerodigestive tract amyloidosis identified from the databases of the Thomas Jefferson University pathology department were reviewed and included in the study.
Results:
Sixteen patients (9 male and 7 female, with an average age of 49.8 years) with upper aerodigestive tract amyloidosis were identified. The most common site of amyloid involvement was the larynx. Consequently, patients most commonly presented with hoarseness (14 of 16). All patients underwent surgical removal of the amyloid deposits. Fourteen patients had primary localized amyloidosis. Two experienced systemic involvement. Seven of the 16 patients developed recurrences requiring further treatment.
Conclusions:
Amyloidosis of the upper aerodigestive tract generally behaves as a benign, localized condition treatable by surgical resection. Regular follow-up with laryngoscopy is indicated for early diagnosis of recurrence, and multiple surgical procedures may be required to control symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract.
Atypical Pneumonia
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
Esophageal Achalasia

