Giant tongue leading to dysphagia in light chain amyloidosis patient
Main Article Content
Keywords
Congo Red, Amyloidosis, Macroglossia
Abstract
Introduction: Macroglossia as a clinical manifestation of systemic amyloidosis is a rare condition, occurring in less than 9% of all types of amyloidosis. The aim of this report is to present the diagnostic approach of a patient with macroglossia, providing a systematic approach and considering relevant diagnostic possibilities during their evaluation.
Clinical case: We present the case of a 60-year-old man who presented with a progressively enlarging giant tongue for six months, causing dysphagia and reduced oral opening. A tongue biopsy was taken, which histopathologically exhibited homogenous eosinophilic amyloid-like material. Congo red staining showed amyloid material with red dye under light microscopy and apple-green birefringence under polarized light. Bone marrow biopsy showed 30% plasma cells, allowing for a definitive diagnosis of soft tissue amyloidosis. Although it is a benign lesion, localized amyloidosis should be differentiated from systemic forms.
Conclusions: The approach of patients with macroglossia is complex due to the diagnostic possibilities, from endo-crinological causes, neoplastic, and even by deposit; Being an isolated sign in a patient is a challenge in its approach, because the involvement of the airway is the main complication to avoid in these patients.
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