A unique case of light chain (AL) amyloidosis masquerading as hypophosphatemic osteomalacia.

Abstract

Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is the result of a clonal plasma cell disorder which causes organ damage by deposition of misfolded light chains. Kidney is a common site of amyloid deposition. Proteinuria, usually in nephrotic range and unexplained renal insufficiency are the main manifestations of renal injury. We report a unique case of renal involvement by AL amyloidosis masquerading as metabolic bone disease. 38 year old male patient presented with progressively increasing diffuse bony pains, low backache and proximal weakness of both lower limbs since two years. On investigation, he was detected to have hypophosphatemic osteomalacia due to renal phosphate loss which was fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)- independent. He also had nephrotic range low molecular weight proteinuria. Renal biopsy to ascertain the aetiology revealed deposition of amyloid fibrils in the glomerular mesangium on electron microscopy. Its characterization by immunofluorescence (IF) was consistent with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. In the absence of a demonstrable plasma cell clone on bone marrow biopsy, we made a diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS). He was treated with chemotherapy following which there was symptomatic improvement and reduction in phosphaturia. This case describes a unique presentation of renal injury due to AL amyloidosis masquerading as hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. The aim of this report is to highlight that hypophosphatemia in adults is usually acquired and treatment of underlying etiology results in cure, unlike in children where genetic counseling and phosphate replacement is the mainstay of treatment.