[Light and heavy chain deposition disease with cutaneous and renal manifestations]

Ann Dermatol Venereol. 1996;123(8):490-2.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Monoclonal light and heavy chain deposition disease is a rare syndrome distinct from light chain amyloid, which is defined by the presence of monoclonal deposits of immunoglobulins in various tissues.

Case-report: A 65-year-old man presented with renal symptoms due to membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, associated with urticarial papules located on the arms and back. Histological examination of a skin biopsy specimen showed lymphocytic vasculitis. Direct immunofluorescence examination of kidney and skin lesions using anti-gamma 2 and anti-Kappa monoclonal antibodies, showed a similar staining on the basement membrane zone and vessel walls.

Comments: As far as we know, this is the first documentation of monoclonal light and heavy chain deposition disease associated with a lymphocytic skin vasculitis and renal involvement caused by similar monoclonal deposits of immunoglobulins in the kidney and skin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Dysgammaglobulinemia / complications*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / diagnosis
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / etiology*
  • Heavy Chain Disease / complications*
  • Heavy Chain Disease / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin gamma-Chains*
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains*
  • Male
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / etiology*
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / pathology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin gamma-Chains
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains