Multiple Myeloma with Light-Chain Amyloidosis Involving Heart, Kidneys, and Nerves: A Challenging Case Report

Introduction: Light-chain (AL) amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare but fatal condition requiring early diagnosis. We present a complex case of MM-associated AL amyloidosis with cardiac, renal, and gastrointestinal involvement, complicated by a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Case Presentation: A 60-year-old Bangladeshi male with hypothyroidism (post-thyroidectomy for medullary carcinoma) and peptic ulcer disease presented with bilateral leg edema, frothy urine, fatigue, and 8 kg weight loss over 2 months. Examination revealed moderate anemia, pitting edema, and hypoalbuminemia (3.15 g/dL) with nephrotic-range proteinuria (6.75 g/day). Laboratory studies showed monoclonal IgG lambda protein (kappa/lambda ratio: 0.22), elevated NT-proBNP (3900 pg/mL), and bone marrow plasmacytosis (25–30%). Renal biopsy confirmed amyloidosis with lambda-dominant deposits; echocardiography demonstrated restrictive cardiomyopathy. Diagnosis: Systemic AL amyloidosis with MM, involving the kidneys (nephrotic syndrome), heart (restrictive cardiomyopathy), and likely gastrointestinal tract (chronic constipation, weight loss). Interventions: Supportive care (diuretics, PPI, thyroxine) was initiated. Chemotherapy for MM/AL amyloidosis was planned but delayed due to the patient’s deteriorating clinical status. Outcomes: The case highlights the rapid progression of multisystem amyloidosis, emphasizing the need for early suspicion in patients with nephrotic syndrome, monoclonal gammopathy, and cardiac dysfunction. Conclusion: This case underscores the diagnostic complexity of MM-associated AL amyloidosis, particularly with concurrent malignancies (medullary thyroid carcinoma). A high index of suspicion, timely organ biopsies, and multidisciplinary management are critical to improving outcomes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Middle East Journal of Medical Case Reports
Published
2025-08-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjmcr.2025.v05i04.002
Primary Topic
Amyloidosis: Diagnosis, Treatment, Outcomes
Type
article
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article

Multiple Myeloma with Light-Chain Amyloidosis Involving Heart, Kidneys, and Nerves: A Challenging Case Report

Shahryar Waheed, Farhana Faruque, Nayan Ranjan Sarker, Kazi Shahnoor Alam et al.
Middle East Journal of Medical Case Reports
Amyloidosis: Diagnosis, Treatment, Outcomes
article

Multiple Myeloma with Light-Chain Amyloidosis Involving Heart, Kidneys, and Nerves: A Challenging Case Report

Shahryar Waheed, Farhana Faruque, Nayan Ranjan Sarker, Kazi Shahnoor Alam, Dr. Md. Ismail Hossain, S. M. Sufi Shafi-Ul-Bashar
article en

Abstract

Introduction: Light-chain (AL) amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare but fatal condition requiring early diagnosis. We present a complex case of MM-associated AL amyloidosis with cardiac, renal, and gastrointestinal involvement, complicated by a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Case Presentation: A 60-year-old Bangladeshi male with hypothyroidism (post-thyroidectomy for medullary carcinoma) and peptic ulcer disease presented with bilateral leg edema, frothy urine, fatigue, and 8 kg weight loss over 2 months. Examination revealed moderate anemia, pitting edema, and hypoalbuminemia (3.15 g/dL) with nephrotic-range proteinuria (6.75 g/day). Laboratory studies showed monoclonal IgG lambda protein (kappa/lambda ratio: 0.22), elevated NT-proBNP (3900 pg/mL), and bone marrow plasmacytosis (25–30%). Renal biopsy confirmed amyloidosis with lambda-dominant deposits; echocardiography demonstrated restrictive cardiomyopathy. Diagnosis: Systemic AL amyloidosis with MM, involving the kidneys (nephrotic syndrome), heart (restrictive cardiomyopathy), and likely gastrointestinal tract (chronic constipation, weight loss). Interventions: Supportive care (diuretics, PPI, thyroxine) was initiated. Chemotherapy for MM/AL amyloidosis was planned but delayed due to the patient’s deteriorating clinical status. Outcomes: The case highlights the rapid progression of multisystem amyloidosis, emphasizing the need for early suspicion in patients with nephrotic syndrome, monoclonal gammopathy, and cardiac dysfunction. Conclusion: This case underscores the diagnostic complexity of MM-associated AL amyloidosis, particularly with concurrent malignancies (medullary thyroid carcinoma). A high index of suspicion, timely organ biopsies, and multidisciplinary management are critical to improving outcomes.

Middle East Journal of Medical Case ReportsVol. 5(04)
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Amyloidosis: Diagnosis, Treatment, Outcomes
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