[Localized amyloidosis of the lower respiratory tract]

Primary amyloidosis localised to the lungs can simulate different types of lung diseases such as tuberculosis, carcinoma and repeated infections in the lower respiratory tract. The possibilities of treatment are limited. The prognosis is usually good, except when there is diffuse pulmonary involvement. Such patients can develop progressive respiratory failure The mechanism of amyloidogenesis is unclear. At the cellular level the macrophage may play a central role.