Amyloidosis presenting as pulmonary infarcts: a case report

J Thorac Imaging. 2010 Nov;25(4):W138-40. doi: 10.1097/RTI.0b013e3181ced01a.

Abstract

Amyloidosis is a multisystem disease characterized by extracellular deposition of complex protein-polysaccharide in a β-pleated configuration. The imaging features in the thorax are well described and are traditionally divided into tracheobronchial, nodular parenchymal, and diffuse alveolar septal subtypes. We describe an unusual case of pulmonary amyloidosis presenting with hemoptysis as a result of pulmonary infarcts related to vascular deposition. With this case, we show that amyloidosis should be considered (along with embolic disease) when vascular insults (infarcts) are seen in multiple vascular territories.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amyloidosis / complications*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacteremia / complications
  • Bacteremia / drug therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fever / complications
  • Hemoptysis / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hypotension / complications
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palliative Care
  • Pulmonary Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Infarction / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents