Tracheobronchial amyloidosis: a case report of successful treatment with external beam radiation therapy

Abstract

Tracheobronchial amyloidosis (TBA) refers to the deposition of localized amyloid deposits within the upper airways. Treatments have historically focused on bronchoscopic techniques including debridement, laser ablation, balloon dilation, and stent placement. Local excisions often prove temporarily effective, with multiple local recurrences and progressive compromise pulmonary function occurring frequently. We present a case of TBA managed with definitive external beam radiation therapy. Eighteen months after moderate-dose radiation, the patient demonstrated improvements in functional status, pulmonary function, bronchoscopic visualization, and CT-based luminal diameters. The literature involving the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of TBA is reviewed.