Lambda light chain-induced monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance, manifesting with Fanconi Syndrome and osteomalacia

BMC Nephrol. 2022 Aug 9;23(1):278. doi: 10.1186/s12882-022-02901-9.

Abstract

Background: Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) encompasses a heterogeneous group of kidney diseases in which a monoclonal immunoglobulin secreted by a clone of B cells or plasma cells causes kidney damage without meeting the hematological criteria for malignancy. Among the various forms of involvement, MGRS can manifest as a proximal tubule disorder, such as Fanconi syndrome (FS), characterized by urinary loss of phosphate, glucose, amino acids, uric acid and bicarbonate. Few cases of MGRS have been described in the literature, manifesting as FS and monoclonal production of lambda light chains, almost all of which are secondary to the production of kappa light chains.

Case presentation: Here we report a clinical case of a 45-year-old Brazilian male, African descent, with proximal weakness of the lower limbs, whose initial assessment showed a urine summary with the presence of proteinuria and glycosuria without hyperglycemia, associated with mild worsening of renal function, hypouricemia, hypocalcemia and phosphaturia. Evolution was characterized by a MGRS manifesting as FS and osteomalacia.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of MGRS is not always easy, it requires knowledge of the clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria and prognosis of each case. Therefore, all possible efforts should be made for multidisciplinary diagnosis.

Keywords: Fanconi Syndrome; Monoclonal Gammopathy of Renal Significance; Nephrology; Type 2 tubular acidosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Fanconi Syndrome* / complications
  • Fanconi Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney / physiology
  • Kidney Diseases* / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance* / complications
  • Osteomalacia* / complications
  • Osteomalacia* / etiology
  • Paraproteinemias* / complications
  • Paraproteinemias* / diagnosis
  • Paraproteinemias* / pathology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains