Pleural amyloidosis: thoracoscopic aspects.

We describe the case of a 60 year old man with primary amyloidosis, who suffered from peripheral neuropathy and cardiomyopathy and who presented with recurrent right pleural effusion. For this reason, he was admitted to hospital for thoracoscopic examination with pleurodesis. Macroscopic examination of the parietal pleura revealed a diffuse inflammation and light brown deposits that where covered with nodules. Biopsy specimens confirmed the amyloid deposition. This macroscopic appearance is described for the first time, and suggests that a local pleural synthesis of amyloid substance may occur during the course of systemic amyloidosis.