Amyloidosis of the Larynx in a Child

Abstract

Localized laryngeal amyloidosis is a rare and benign process. Only three cases have been reported in children. We present the case of a 9-year-old girl with localized laryngeal amyloidosis that was excised via laryngofissure. The patient presented with a 3- to 4-week history of progressive hoarseness. Direct laryngoscopy revealed a smooth, firm, submucosal mass extending from the anterior aspect of the left false vocal cord to the vocal process. Biopsy of the mass revealed findings consistent with amyloidosis. The mass was approached via laryngofissure and excised with the thyroid cartilage and left true vocal cord left intact. An extensive workup for systemic amyloidosis was negative, including bone marrow biopsy. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, with good vocal quality and a sluggish but mobile left true vocal cord. This case is significant because of the young age of the child, the extent of disease, and the use of laryngofissure for excision.