AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma: Macroglossia as first manifestation of a rare combination

Abstract

The differential diagnosis of macroglossia is broad, and it may be present in the context of a localized pathology or a systemic disease. One of the systemic diseases that present macroglossia is amyloidosis, which is characterized by an irreversible deposit of an amorphous and fibrillar protein. The manifestation of this pathology in head and neck territory is infrequent, and its deposit in the tongue represents less than 9% of all types of amyloidosis. We present the case of a patient, who consulted with pain in the tongue, dysphagia, and weight loss. He was initially studied with laboratory tests and a nasofibroscopy with no conclusive findings. Given the persistence of symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, showing signs of an infiltrative disease, which was confirmed as secondary systemic amyloidosis through histopathological studies. Given the above, the patient was referred to hematology to start treatment. Systemic amyloidosis is an uncommon diagnosis that should be suspected since it implies a poor vital prognosis. Moreover, an early diagnosis can substantially improve the survival rate and quality of life of those who suffer this disease. Therefore, a comprehensive study of this condition is needed, complementing with non-invasive methods such as MRI.