Amyloidosis of the heart and respiratory system

Abstract

Since the incidence of amyloidosis is increasing, the purpose of this article is to review the imaging features of intrathoracic amyloidosis. Amyloidosis forms a heterogeneous group of disorders characterised by the extracellular deposition of a homologous protein complex. The heart is the most commonly involved organ in the chest. Respiratory amyloidal deposition is much less common and may be generalised, when it occurs as a part of a systemic disease, or it may be restricted only to the respiratory system. Although, the abnormalities are considered non-specific, recent literature suggests—especially for cardiac amyloidosis—specific patterns of abnormalities.