[Localized tracheobronchial amyloidosis: a rare cause of pseudo-asthma]

Abstract

Localized tracheobronchial amyloidosis is an uncommon disease of unknown cause. Bronchial amyloid deposits can occur as focal nodules or multifocal infiltration of the submucosa. Clinical signs are not specific and the chest x-ray is usually normal. Diagnosis is rarely evoked before bronchial biopsies are done. We report a case of tracheobronchial amyloidosis disclosed by asthmatiform dyspnea. The diagnosis was obtained at bronchial fibroscopy performed as part of the work-up for secondary pneumonia.