melphalan and Contracture

Among the many clinical manifestations of light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, musculoskeletal involvement is rarely reported. We describe the case of a 72-year-old woman who was referred to our rheumatology department for fixed flexion contractures of the fingers that developed concomitantly with a decline in general health. Macroglossia and recent-onset dyspnea were noted. Investigations, which included a tongue biopsy, established the diagnosis of kappa light-chain amyloidosis with soft tissue, bone, and cardiac deposits. Melphalan and dexamethasone therapy was successful in stabilizing the clinical and laboratory abnormalities within 6 months. This case is remarkable in that the musculoskeletal manifestations were at the forefront of the clinical picture and led to the diagnosis.

Topics: Aged; Amyloidosis; Contracture; Dexamethasone; Female; Finger Joint; Humans; Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains; Melphalan; Treatment Outcome