Urticarial vasculitis associated with a monoclonal IgM gammopathy: Schnitzler's syndrome

Br J Dermatol. 1990 Jul;123(1):113-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1990.tb01831.x.

Abstract

We describe two cases of Schnitzler's syndrome presenting with urticarial vasculitis, in which there was a monoclonal IgM of kappa light-chain isotype. Skin histology showed a perivascular leucocytic infiltrate and leucocytoclasis. One patient had an abnormal complement profile and positive rheumatoid factor while the other had antibodies to unidentified soluble nuclear antigens, anti-cytoplasmic antibodies and circulating immune complexes. In addition, in the first case deposits of IgM, C3 and, to a lesser degree, of IgG were observed in the walls of small blood vessels.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin M / analysis*
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / analysis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paraproteinemias / immunology
  • Paraproteinemias / pathology*
  • Syndrome
  • Urticaria / immunology
  • Urticaria / pathology*
  • Vasculitis / immunology
  • Vasculitis / pathology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains