Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS)-related AL amyloidosis complicated by amyloid myopathy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Lately, monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) has been defined as a group of renal disorders that are strongly associated with monoclonal protein, including amyloid immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Amyloid myopathy is rare (1.5% of all patients with amyloidosis) and the prognosis is poor. Furthermore, only approximately 20% of patients with amyloid myopathy are reported to have renal involvement, indicating a lack of data in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report a rare case of MGRS-related AL amyloidosis complicated by amyloid myopathy that presented with muscle weakness in the upper and lower limbs, neck and fingers, and nephrotic syndrome. Blood, urine, and bone marrow examination revealed monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) (Bence Jones protein-lambda). Muscle biopsy of the vastus lateralis muscle demonstrated amyloid proteins in the sarcolemma and in the blood vessel walls on Congo red staining, suggesting amyloid myopathy, and tiny inclusions in fibers on modified Gomori trichrome stain. Although we thought they were reminiscent of nemaline bodies, we could not confirm the nature of this structure. Renal biopsy demonstrated amyloid proteins in the mesangial region, part of the capillary walls, and the blood vessel walls on direct fast scarlet staining. As these amyloid proteins were positive for p-component staining and negative for amyloid A staining, ß2-microglobulin, and pre-albumin, and as lambda light chains were positive in the mesangial region, we diagnosed the patient with MGRS-related AL amyloidosis. Although he was treated with melphalan and dexamethasone, his symptoms did not improve. CONCLUSIONS: AL amyloidosis involving the kidneys and muscles has a poor prognosis, and a delayed diagnosis of amyloid myopathy is common because of its rarity and frequent misdiagnosis, which increases organ function deterioration. Therefore, early detection, therapeutic intervention, and careful follow-up are crucial.

Recurrent Epstein-Barr Virus-positive (EBV+) Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL) in a Patient with Clinical Features of Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation with Pontine Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids (CLIPPERS).

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) can share clinical features and may be indistinguishable, even after brain biopsy. We encountered a case of Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) PCNSL recurrence in a patient with clinical features of CLIPPERS, and repeat brain biopsy was required to reach the correct diagnosis. Four years after the initial diagnosis and treatment of PCNSL, "peppering" punctate enhanced lesions with transient steroid responsiveness were detected during brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A second brain biopsy supported a diagnosis of CLIPPERS, while a third biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of recurrent PCNSL.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A with an autosomal-recessive inheritance: the first report of an adult-onset disease.

Axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is most frequently caused by mutations in the MFN2 gene (CMT2A) that can lead to various clinical phenotypes. The age at disease onset varies, but most cases occur before adolescence. We report two Japanese sisters who presented with middle-age-onset peripheral neuropathy with distinct clinical features. In the affected sisters, a homozygous missense mutation, c.1894C>T, p.R632W, corresponding to the transmembrane domain of MFN2 was identified; this mutation was heterozygous in another non-affected sibling, demonstrating co-segregation of the genotype and phenotype. The patients developed adult-onset slowly progressive muscle weakness that was predominant in the calf muscles and sensory disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse atrophy of the spinal cord, especially in the thoracic segment, and mild atrophy of the parietal lobe and the cerebellum in both patients. Electron microscopy of the sural nerve revealed clusters of round and swollen mitochondria. This is the first case report of adult-onset CMT2A with an autosomal-recessive inheritance pattern. The phenotype caused by the MFN2 mutation in these cases is very mild, considering that the mutation causes middle-aged-onset Charcot-Marie-Tooth even in the homozygous state. The mechanism of MFN2 mutation-induced toxicity is an interesting theme that awaits further investigations.