Chronic urticaria and IgG paraproteinaemia: unusual spectrum of Schnitzler Syndrome

Clin Ter. 2011;162(3):e85-7.

Abstract

Schnitzler Syndrome (SS) is a rare clinical entity of unknown etio-pathogenesis characterizated by non itching chronic urticaria, associated with an IgM monoclonal paraprotein; other symptoms as bone pain, poliarthralgia, elevated erytrocyte sedimentation rate and persistent fever, may be present. Since 1972-1974, when it was first described by Schnitzler et al. about 80 cases have been reported in literature, all characterized by chronic urticaria and IgM monoclonal gammopathy. Nashan et al, were the first to publish a case of SS with a benign monoclonal IgG, composed by light -κ- chains. We described two cases of chronic non itching urticaria with the same symptoms above mentioned, but an IgG monoclonal paraprotein instead of IgM gammopathy. Therefore in according to Nashan et al, we suggest that the spectrum of SS should include patients that present the same clinical picture described in 1972 in association with either IgM or IgG gammopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G*
  • Middle Aged
  • Paraproteinemias / etiology*
  • Schnitzler Syndrome / complications*
  • Urticaria / etiology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G