Amyloidosis of the nasopharynx: an unexpected cause of unilateral middle ear effusion

Amyloidosis is an idiopathic disease that is characterized by the extracellular deposition of fibrillar proteins. The disease can be categorized as primary or secondary where deposits occur in conjunction with chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or tuberculosis. The deposits can be localized or systemically distributed. It can mimic, and also be associated with underlying malignancy. Primary amyloidosis is a rare cause of a nasopharyngeal lesion, and less so of a secondary middle ear effusion. Its association with underlying chronic and malignant disease must not be over-looked if serious complications are to be avoided. It is, therefore, important to consider this as a differential diagnosis in such patients.