[Hemostasis disorders in patients with systemic AL-amyloidosis].

AIM: To analyze the frequency and nature of hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications in patients with systemic AL-amyloidosis and compare with laboratory changes in the hemostasis system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study included 40 patients with newly diagnosed AL-amyloidosis. To detect amyloid, all patients underwent bone marrow trephine biopsy and duodenal biopsy, and 28 (70%) patients underwent biopsy of the affected organ. Before the start of therapy, all patients were determined the platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen concentration, time of XIIa-dependent fibrinolysis, antithrombin III, D-dimer, activity of blood coagulation factors VIII, X and vWF. The statistical part of the study was carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics 2017 system software (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: In 20 (50%) patients, hemorrhages on the skin and mucous membranes were diagnosed as vascular purpura. Before the start of therapy, 7 (17.5%) patients had thrombosis, including leg vein thrombosis (5 patients), ischemic stroke (2 patients). There was a direct correlation between thrombotic complications and cutaneous hemorrhagic syndrome (p=0.007). In 15 (75%) cases, cutaneous hemorrhagic syndrome was accompanied by hypercoagulable shifts in the hemostasis system. Of the 20 patients with cutaneous hemorrhagic syndrome, 19 (95%) patients had kidney damage, including 15 patients with nephrotic syndrome. Hematoma type of bleeding, as well as heavy bleeding was not observed, including after a biopsy of the internal organs. According to the totality of hemostasis indicators, hypercoagulation syndrome was more often observed (in 23; 56% of patients). Hypocoagulation was diagnosed only in 2 (5%) patients with liver damage, 16 (39%) patients had normocoagulation. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous hemorrhagic syndrome is the most common clinical manifestation of disorders in the hemostasis system in patients with AL-amyloidosis. The relationship of hemorrhages on the skin with nephrotic syndrome has been established, which may indicate a single pathogenetic mechanism. Cutaneous hemorrhagic syndrome is associated with hypercoagulable shifts in hemostasis and a high risk of thrombotic complications.

Association Between Hematologic Response and Change in Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients with Light-Chain (AL) Amyloidosis.

Purpose: The purpose of this secondary data analysis was to examine the association between hematologic response and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Patients and Methods: Data for this secondary analysis were collected through a non-interventional, longitudinal, online self-report survey of patients with AL amyloidosis. Patients completed an initial online survey, with follow-up surveys administered 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after completion of the initial survey. The online survey included an assessment of patients' most recent self-reported hematologic response status. Eight domains and 2 summary components of HRQoL were evaluated with the SF-36v2® Health Survey. A series of logistic regression models were used to examine the association between self-reported hematologic response at 24 months (dichotomized as new or maintained complete hematologic response; less than a complete response) and change in HRQoL from baseline to 24 months (dichotomized as meaningful worsening; improvement or preservation). Results: For all measured domains of HRQoL except physical functioning, there was no statistically significant relationship between meaningful worsening in HRQoL and hematologic response status at 24 months. Patients without a complete hematologic response had an odds of experiencing meaningful worsening of HRQoL that was similar to that of patients with a complete hematologic response. Conclusion: Among patients with AL amyloidosis, change in HRQoL was generally not associated with hematologic response. Achieving a complete hematologic response does not necessarily mean that a patient will experience increased or stable HRQoL. When defining treatment success, it is important to recognize that clinical markers such as hematologic response may not fully encapsulate the patient experience.

Macroglossia Associated With Primary Systemic Amyloidosis - Case Report With Unusual Clinical Presentation.

BACKGROUND: Amyloidosis is characterised by the deposition of fibrillar insoluble proteinaceous material called amyloid in the extracellular spaces. It may present as localized form which is rare and systemic form. Systemic amyloidosis involves many organs like kidney, heart and liver. Manifestations of both types may vary based on the age of onset, degree and extension of the deposition. Understandably, the diagnosis is challenging but the early identification of the condition and the type of amyloidosis can increase the efficiency of treatment. Positive Congo red staining is the gold standard for demonstration of amyloid in tissue sections. Here we are presenting a case of a 77-year-old female patient who presented with the complaint of difficulty in swallowing for 2 years due to bilateral symmetrical enlargement of the tongue which was subsequently diagnosed as systemic amyloidosis.

AL amyloidosis with primary presentation of multiple serous cavity effusion and severe cholestasis: a case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis commonly affects the kidney or heart, but may also involve the liver at a histopathological level. Early diagnosis of AL amyloidosis is important for proper management with desirable outcome. We reported here an unusual case of AL amyloidosis, presenting primarily with multiple serous cavity effusion, accompanied with rapidly progressive cholestasis. CASE PRESENTATION: A previously healthy 63-year-old man presented with dysuria, frequent urination, oliguria and oedema of lower extremities for one month, accompanied with jaundice and hypoproteinemia. CT demonstrated multiple serous cavity effusion, focal hypodense lesions in the liver, and focal low-density in the spleen. Laparoscopy with liver biopsy revealed liver and spleen fibrosis with congestion, no visceral rupture, following haemorrhagic ascites from abdominocentesis. This patient was transferred to our (tertiary) hospital. The diagnosis of amyloidosis was confirmed with histopathology/immunohistochemistry. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation was not applicable, however chemotherapy was advised, due to the patient's Mayo score 3. The patient declined chemotherapy and was self-discharged back to his hometown hospital with palliative care, however only lasted a further one-month. DISCUSSION: The lesson we have learnt from this case that any patients with multiple serous cavity effusion and isolated hepatic involvement, primary amyloidosis should be considered. Multiple serous cavity effusion may serve as an indicator for poor prognosis of hepatic AL amyloidosis.

Multisystem Amyloidosis in a Coal Miner with Silicosis: Is Exposure to Silica Dust a Cause of Amyloid Deposition?

The over-secretion of monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains by clonal B cells followed by the aggregation and extracellular deposition of fibrillar deposits are responsible forthe clinical course AL amyloidosis. It is well documented that silica significantly increases the number of immunoglobulin-secreting cells. In the present paper, we report on a coal miner with silicosis and fast progressing primary amyloidosis with predominantly heart, kidney, and lung manifestations. Severeheart failure due to myocardial hypertrophy resulted in the patient's death. We conclude that long-term environmental silica exposure and silica deposition may contribute to the development of monoclonal gammopathy and amyloidosis due to chronic stimulus and the dysregulation of the immune system.

Primary localized amyloidosis of the ureter with osseous metaplasia presenting as a suspicious ureteral mass.

Primary amyloidosis of the ureter is a rare disease that is difficult to distinguish from urothelial carcinoma. Only 50 cases of primary ureter amyloidosis have been reported since it was first described in 1937. Of these, only five cases of ureter amyloidosis with osseous metaplasia were reported. In this study, we report the clinical presentation of ureter primary amyloidosis that presented as a mass with osseous metaplasia. The aim of this study is to provide clinicians with knowledge about the clinical/radiologic manifestation that raise the suspicion of amyloidosis, bearing in mind the importance of differentiating it from other "malignant" processes.

Primary amyloidosis involving the gastrointestinal tract, mesentery and omentum: A case report.

Amyloidosis, a systemic disease characterized by the deposition of misfolded protein, is difficult to rapidly diagnose due to its wide range of symptoms. The present study reported on a case of primary amyloidosis (AL) with involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, mesentery and omentum in a 66-year-old male presenting with recurrent diarrhoea and abdominal distension. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and enteroscopy revealed multiple gastric ulcers and multiple protuberant lesions in the colon. Laparotomy indicated multiple nodules in the mesentery of the small intestine. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed dilation of the small bowel with pneumatosis intestinalis and positive Congo red staining of gastric mucosa and mesentery biopsy specimens confirmed amyloid deposition. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with AL. In this case, the clinical manifestation of mesentery amyloidosis was multiple nodules and extensive peritoneal adhesions, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been reported by any previous study.

The Role of Light Kappa and Lambda Chains in Heart Function Assessment in Patients with AL Amyloidosis.

There are reports indicating that myocardial dysfunction in systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) stems not only from the amyloid deposit in the organ but also the cardiotoxicity of the amyloid precursor free light chains (FLCs) circulating in the blood. The aim of the study is to analyze the role of sFLC κ and λ in the assessment of heart involvement and the degree of myocardial damage in AL amyloidosis. The study involved 71 patients diagnosed with primary AL amyloidosis. The relationship between sFLC concentrations and cardiac biochemical and echocardiographic parameters was assessed. The median concentrations of N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) and troponin I (TnI) were significantly higher in patients with amyloids formed from monoclonal λ chains compared to patients with monoclonal κ proliferation. In patients with heart involvement by amyloids formed from monoclonal FLC, the study demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between the concentration of monoclonal antibody λ chain and TnI (R = 0.688; p < 0.05), NT-proBNP (R = 0.449; p < 0.05), and the value of diastolic dimension of the interventricular septum (IVS; R = 0.496, p < 0.05). The above data indicate that the presence of monoclonal λ chains in patients with AL amyloidosis may be associated with more severe damage to cardiomyocytes and dysfunction of the myocardium.

Retinitis pigmentosa associated with systemic light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis)

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or hereditary retinal dystrophy is a rare disease that can be isolated (non-syndromic RP) or associated with other systemic signs (syndromic RP). Kidney damage is exceptionally reported in patients with RP, particularly in syndromic forms. Association with renal amyloidosis remains unusual with only one reported case of RP and hereditary gelsolin amyloidosis due to a G654A gelsolin mutation defining the new syndrome of Ardalan-Shoja-Kiuru. Apart from this publication, no case associating RP and AL amyloidosis has been found. We report an original case of renal damage revealing kappa-type systemic light chains amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) in 35-year-old man with sporadic RP. Our observation is, to our knowledge, the first to report this association (AU)

The Amyloidosis Forum: a public private partnership to advance drug development in AL amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare, multi-systemic disorder characterized by two disease processes: an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia that provides the source of pathologic light chains, and the resulting organ dysfunction caused by deposition of amyloid light chain fibrils. There are no FDA approved treatments for AL amyloidosis; regimens developed for multiple myeloma are used off-label to treat the plasma cell disorder and no therapies are directed at organ deposition. Thus, an unmet medical need persists despite advances in disease management. A public-private partnership was recently formed between the Amyloidosis Research Consortium (ARC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to bridge scientific gaps in drug development for the treatment of AL amyloidosis. MAIN BODY: The inaugural Amyloidosis Forum was convened at FDA on 12 November 2019 and led by a multidisciplinary panel of physicians, health outcomes professionals, and representatives from the FDA, ARC, and pharmaceutical companies. Patients provided important perspectives on the pathway to diagnosis, challenges of rigorous treatment, and the burden of disease. The panel reviewed the epidemiology, pathobiology, and clinical features of AL amyloidosis. Hematologic characteristics, staging systems, and response criteria were examined with clear consensus that a "deep response" to plasma cell-directed treatments was critical to overall survival. Emphasis was placed on the heterogeneous clinical phenotypes of AL amyloidosis, including cardiovascular, renal, neurological, and gastrointestinal system manifestations that contribute to morbidity and/or mortality, but render challenges to clinical trial endpoint selection. FDA representatives discussed regulatory perspectives regarding demonstration of clinical benefits of investigational therapies in the context of a rare disease with multi-systemic manifestations. The panel also highlighted the potential importance of well-designed health-related quality of life instruments, quantification of system organ effects, the potential of advanced imaging technologies, and survival prediction models. CONCLUSIONS: The Amyloidosis Forum identified a clear need for novel trial designs that are scientifically rigorous, feasible, and incorporate clinically meaningful endpoints based on an understanding of the natural history of the disease in an evolving therapeutic landscape. Future forums will delve into these issues and seek to include participation from additional stakeholders.

Multiple myeloma with primary amyloidosis presenting with digestive symptoms: A case report and literature review.

We present a case of multiple myeloma with primary systemic amyloidosis presenting with digestive symptoms in a 32-year-old male. Initial symptoms included upper abdominal discomfort for 4 months, and stool with mucous and blood for 1 month. Erosive gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, haematochezia, and weight loss were noted, but without bone pain, anaemia, or hypercalcaemia. Bone marrow examination showed 18.5% mature monoclonal plasma cells that were λ light chain protein and CD38 positive. Three courses of 28-day PTD therapy (i.e., bortezomib, dexamethasone, and thalidomide) were administered. Gastrointestinal symptoms and laboratory parameters improved. Post-treatment follow-up showed 0.5% plasma cells with normal morphology in bone marrow, urine λ light chain 10.1 mg/L, and negative M protein. Nevertheless, the patient died of multiple organ system failure 8 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Amyloidosis is an uncommon finding in patients with multiple myeloma, especially in younger individuals.

Amyloidosis: diagnosis and new therapies for a misunderstood and misdiagnosed disease.

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases characterized by extracellular deposition of amyloid fibril complexes. Fibril deposition results in organ dysfunction and possible failure. Amyloidosis is regarded as a rare disease, but in general is underdiagnosed. The two main types of systemic amyloidosis are immunoglobulin light chain and transthyretin amyloidosis. The increased availability of noninvasive cardiac imaging, genetic testing and improved laboratory assays and protein identification methods have led to increased diagnosis. However, in many cases, the diagnosis is not made until the patient develops organ impairment. Earlier diagnosis is required to prevent irreversible organ failure. Novel treatments for immunoglobulin light chain and transthyretin amyloidosis that halt disease progression, prolong and increase quality of life have recently become available.

Amiloidosis cardíaca en un paciente con mieloma múltiple / Cardiac amyloidosis in a patient with multiple myeloma

Resumen La amiloidosis sistémica constituye una enfermedad poco frecuente, donde la infiltración cardíaca es la principal causa de morbimortalidad, sin importar la causa subyacente del depósito amiloide. Se reporta el caso de una paciente femenina de 48 años con síndrome nefrótico, insuficiencia cardíaca e inmunocompromiso, estableciéndose el diagnóstico de amiloidosis primaria con infiltración cardíaca secundaria a mieloma múltiple. Se discute brevemente la enfermedad, la importancia del juicio clínico apoyado en medios diagnósticos y los retos terapéuticos actuales.

Abstract Systemic amyloidosis constitutes a non common disease in which cardiac involvement is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, regardless of the underlying pathogenesis of amyloid production. We present the case of a 48 years old female with nephrotic syndrome, heart failure and immunocompromise in which Primary Amyloidosis with cardiac involvement secondary to Multiple Myeloma is established as diagnosis. The disease is briefly discussed, as well as the value of clinical judgment supported on diagnostic means and the therapeutic challenges now days.

Amiloidosis primaria / Primary amiloidosis

La amiloidosis constituye un diagnóstico diferencial en un paciente con síndrome nefrótico. La presencia de manifestaciones sistémicas y evolutivas sostiene la posibilidad de una amiloidosis primaria, cuyo pronóstico no es bueno en especial si el diagnóstico es tardío. Se expone una revisión del cuadro clínico a propósito de un caso.

Amyloidosis constitutes a differential diagnosis in a patient with nephrotic syndrome. The presence of systemic and evolutive manifestations supports the possibility of primary amyloidosis. A review of the clinical is presented in relation to a case.

Improved Treatment Related Mortality in Patients with Primary Systemic Amyloidosis (AL Amyloidosis) undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (aHSCT).

To date, there is no standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed Primary (AL) amyloidosis. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) is a reasonable option, but has been limited in its use due to increase in treatment-related mortality (TRM). We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 42 newly diagnosed consecutive AL amyloidosis patients transplanted at our center. The median age at aHSCT was 57.5 (range 26-71). Twenty one (50%) had involvement of at least two organs and 40 (97%) patients had cardiac stage I or II. Patients received high dose Melphalan 140(n=4) or 200(n=38) mg/m2. Median times to neutrophil and platelet engraftments were 12 and 18 days, respectively. Three months hematologic response were complete response in 21 patients (50%), very good partial response in 4 (10%), partial response in 5 (12%) and Minimal/Stable disease in 6(15%). The respective 1, 3, and 5 year progression-free survival were 79%, 67% and 57%, and overall survival from Transplant 81%, 73% and 66%. Day 100 and 1 year TRM were 4.8% and 7.1% respectively. Our results show that aHSCT is a safe and reasonable option for patients with AL amyloidosis. Day 100 and 1 year TRM compares favorably to multiple myeloma patients undergoing aHSCT.

A rare case of primary thyroid amyloidosis.

INTRODUCTION: Amyloid goiter is due to the deposition of amyloid in the thyroid, resulting with enlargement of the gland and compressive symptoms. CASE: We herein present a case of a 45-year-old male patient who complained of a big swelling in the neck. Ultrasound showed an enlarged thyroid gland with mediastinal involvement. The multinodular appearance was consistent with the diagnosis of multinodular goiter. He had a history of multiple myeloma but no sign of systemic amyloidosis. DISCUSSION: Thyroid gland was removed and the histopathological examination revealed a diffuse deposition of amyloid associated with metaplastic lipomatosis of the stroma. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of choice in patients with amyloid goiter is total thyroidectomy to solve compression symptoms.

Unilateral localized conjunctival amyloidosis in a patient with a history of contralateral orbit/eyelid lymphoma.

Amyloidosis is a disorder characterized by the deposition of insoluble abnormal proteins in the extracellular space. It may occur as a localized lesion or as a systemic disease involving multiple organs and systems. Localized conjunctival amyloidosis is rare and is less frequently associated with systemic involvement. Although amyloidosis itself is a benign lesion involvement of multiple organs and systems is associated with poor prognosis. Diagnosis of amyloidosis is made on biopsy specimens with Congo red staining for the appearance of apple-green birefringence under polarized light microscopy. Liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is much more sensitive in diagnosing amyloidosis and can determine the type of amyloid deposit. Here we reported a case of conjunctival amyloidosis in a 52 year-old male patient who was presented with left lower eyelid swelling to our medical center. He has a complicated past medical history of anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, Buerger's disease (thromboangitis obliterans), and small cell lymphoma (SLL) of the right orbit/eyelid. The patient received radiation to the right orbit to treat SLL with therapy completed one and a half years prior to presentation. Physical examination revealed a firm, raised yellowish colored lesion in the left lower conjunctiva. The conjunctival lesion was biopsied, and tissue sections were examined with Congo red stains and LC-MS/MS analysis. The biopsy showed amyloid deposits without evidence of malignancy, and the type of proteins in the deposit was immunoglobulin light chain (AL) of kappa type. A complete work up was taken for possible systemic involvement of amyloidosis and results were all negative. To our knowledge, this is the first case of localized conjunctival amyloidosis with a history of contralateral orbit/eyelid SLL.