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 peri-odontoid soft-tissue mass hypointense to muscle on both T1- and T2-weighted images was noted without obvious bony destruction. Pathological examination revealed degenerated fibrocartilage which stained for amyloid. Further, peroxidase staining for beta-2 microglobulin was positive. We describe the first case of a beta-2 microglobulin peri-odontoid amyloidoma without preceding history of hemodialysis and a review of literature is performed.