title: Systemic Light Chain Amyloidosis Mimicking Rheumatic Disorders.
abstract: Secondary amyloidosis can complicate chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. However, the clinical findings of primary amyloidosis may mimic those of primary rheumatologic disorders. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with dystrophic nail changes, dry eyes, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, Raynaud's phenomenon, and high titer positive nucleolar pattern antinuclear antibody. She was initially misdiagnosed as having Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD). On further workup, she was eventually diagnosed with lambda light chain systemic amyloidosis by abdominal fat pad biopsy. Her symptoms completely resolved after autologous stem cell transplantation. With this case, we would like to highlight the similarities in the clinical features between light chain amyloidosis and rheumatological disorders. We would also like to emphasize the importance of the prompt recognition of the clinical features of amyloidosis which are crucial to triggering appropriate diagnostic procedures, since early diagnosis is a key to improving outcomes in this disease with an otherwise poor prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology/Oncology, Allegheny Health Network, 320 East North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA.
authors.forename: Rohit R
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-5118-0473
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, One Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA.
authors.forename: Wai Chung
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8395-6897
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Yong
authors.affiliation: Lupus Center of Excellence, Allegheny Health Network, 4800 Friendship Avenue, Suite 2600, North Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.
authors.forename: Mary Chester
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-7536-9246
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Wasko