Successful treatment of endobronchial amyloidosis using Nd:YAG laser therapy as an alternative to lobectomy

Abstract

Endobronchial amyloidosis may cause local obstruction associated with a variety of clinical presentations including recurrent respiratory infection. Although some patients may require surgical intervention, encouraging experience with endobronchial Neodymium (Nd):YAG laser therapy in the management of this condition is reported. Two patients with localized endobronchial amyloidosis were treated with endobronchial Nd:YAG laser therapy. One patient received two treatments for right upper lobe amyloid and another patient received three treatments for right lower lobe amyloid. Excellent clearance of amyloid was achieved in each patient. The first patient remains well, 16 months post-treatment with full patency of the apical and posterior segments. Ten months post-treatment, the second patient has full patency of the right lower lobe. No complications occurred in association with Nd:YAG laser therapy. Endobronchial Neodymium:YAG laser treatment should be considered for selected patients with localized endobronchial obstruction due to amyloidosis.