MRI findings of isolated beta-2 microglobulin amyloidosis presenting as a cervical spine mass - Case report and review of literature

A patient without prior history of renal failure or hemodialysis presented with weakness of the extremities. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a pe riodontoid soft-tissue mass hypointense to muscle on both T1- and T2-weight ed images was noted without obvious bony destruction. Pathological examinat ion revealed degenerated fibrocartilage which stained for amyloid. Further peroxidase staining for beta-2 microglobulin was positive. We describe the first case of a beta-a microglobulin peri-odontoid amyloidoma without prece ding history of hemodialysis and a review of literature is performed, (C) E lsevier Science Inc., 1999.