Primary amyloidosis of the nose presenting with refractory epistaxis and systemic involvement - A rare phenomenon

Abstract

Amyloid, a fibrillar protein deposited in the extracellular space, may be localized to a specific organ or it may be systemic, involving various organs (1, 2). Localized amyloidosis is uncommon in the head and neck (1). Systemic amyloidosis involving the nasal cavity presenting as refractory epistaxis to our knowledge has not been previously reported. The purpose of this case report is to present a rare presentation of refractory epistaxis which was secondary to systemic nasal amyloidosis and to draw attention to the recognition of this form of disease in order to initiate systemic therapy and to be vigilant for surgical intervention.