Combined light chain crystalline tubulopathy, podocytopathy, and histiocytosis associated with Bence-Jones κ protein diagnosed via immuno-electron microscopy

CEN Case Rep. 2021 Aug;10(3):453-458. doi: 10.1007/s13730-021-00588-9. Epub 2021 Mar 5.

Abstract

We herein report a case of a combined crystalline light chain tubulopathy, podocytopathy, histiocytosis, and cast nephropathy in a patient with monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS). A 66-year-old female with impaired renal function was referred to our department. Despite intravenous fluid resuscitation, the kidney function worsened progressively; thus, a kidney biopsy was performed. The kidney biopsy revealed light chain proximal tubulopathy (LCPT) with crystals, light chain crystal podocytopathy (LCCP), crystal-storing histiocytosis (CSH), and light chain cast nephropathy (LCCN). Of note, LCCP and CSH were diagnosed via electron microscopy. Serum and urine immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) revealed the presence of monoclonal Bence-Jones protein and free κ light chains. Bone marrow aspiration showed < 10% plasma cell proliferation. Thus, we had encountered a rare case in which a variety of kidney lesions were combined with MGRS. Most of the LCPT, LCCP, and CSH cases show monoclonal IgG κ, while our case showed Bence-Jones protein κ.

Keywords: Crystal-storing histiocytosis; Light chain cast nephropathy; Light chain crystal podocytopathy; Light chain proximal tubulopathy; MGRS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bence Jones Protein / isolation & purification*
  • Female
  • Histiocytosis / complications*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains
  • Kidney Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Kidney Diseases / etiology
  • Kidney Tubules, Proximal / pathology
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron
  • Podocytes / pathology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains
  • Bence Jones Protein