A Case of Macroglossia Due to Amyloidosis Associated with Multiple Myeloma

Amyloidosis is a condition of abnormal deposition of extracellular insoluble fibrillar proteins, termed amyloid, in tissue and organs throughout the body. Systemic amyloidosis, consisting of light amyloid protein (AL protein), the spectrum of multiple myeloma and plasmacytoma, is categorized as a primary amyloidosis; secondary amyloidosis consists of an acute phase reactant serum amyloid A protein (AA protein), which is associated with neoplasm. Amyloid involvement of the tongue is almost always secondary to systemic AL amyloidosis. Macroglossia due to amyloid depositions can lead to serious airway obstruction. We report a case of a 68-year-old woman suffering from dyspnea due to macroglossia. She was diagnosed with amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma. � Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2013;56:37-40 Key WordsZZAmyloidosis ㆍMacroglossia ㆍMultiple Myeloma.