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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

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Genetic Analysis of Hereditary Transthyretin Ala97Ser Related Amyloidosis
Published on: June 9, 2018
[Pleural amyloidosis attesting to generalised amyloidosis]
C Aichaouia1, M R Ben Meftah, S M'hamdi
1Service de pneumologie-allergologie , hôpital militaire principal d'instruction de Tunis, 1008 Tunis, Tunisie. chirazaichaouia@yahoo.fr
Revue De Pneumologie Clinique
|June 22, 2010
Summary
Pulmonary amyloidosis can manifest as tracheobronchial or parenchymal disease. This case highlights under-estimated pleural involvement in generalized amyloidosis, contributing to persistent pleural effusion.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Generalized amyloidosis commonly affects the lungs, primarily involving the tracheobronchial tree and lung parenchyma.
- Pleural involvement is a less recognized but significant manifestation of systemic amyloidosis.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old female presented with exudative pleural effusion.
- The patient had diagnosed generalized amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, and cardiac and renal involvement.
Findings:
- Thoracoscopy and pleural biopsy confirmed amyloid deposits in the pleura.
- Despite initiating melphalan/prednisone treatment, the patient's condition deteriorated, leading to death.
Implications:
- Pleural involvement in amyloidosis is frequently under-diagnosed and plays a crucial role in the development and persistence of pleural effusions.
- This case underscores the importance of considering pleural disease in patients with systemic amyloidosis and multiple myeloma.
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