Recurrent febrile panniculitis and hepatitis in two patients with acquired complement deficiency and paraproteinemia

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-associated panniculitis

BACKGROUND

Panniculitis represents a rare and potentially lethal manifestation of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). Evidence regarding management is limited to case reports and small case series. We sought to clarify typical features and investigation of AATD-associated panniculitis and assess the evidence regarding therapeutic options.

SEARCH METHODOLOGY

Articles and abstracts published between 1970 and 2020 were identified by searches of MEDLINE, PubMed, and secondary searches of references from relevant articles using the search terms "panniculitis," "alpha-1," "antitrypsin," "deficiency," and "Weber-Christian."

FINDINGS

We identified 117 cases of AATD-associated panniculitis. In 1 series, AATD was present in 15% of all cases of biopsy-proven panniculitis. Failure to achieve clinical response was seen in all instances of systemic steroid use. Dapsone, although effective and accessible, is frequently associated with failure to achieve remission. In these instances, intravenous AAT augmentation therapy generally resulted in response.

CONCLUSIONS

AATD may be more prevalent among patients presenting with panniculitis than previously thought. Patients presenting with panniculitis and systemic illness show high mortality risk. Although most cases are associated with the severe ZZ-genotype, moderate genotypes may also predispose to panniculitis. Dapsone remains the most cost-effective therapeutic option, whereas intravenous AAT augmentation remains the most efficacious. Finally, glucocorticoids appear ineffective in this setting.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smouldering multiple myeloma: emphasis on risk factors for progression

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is characterized by a serum monoclonal protein <30 g/l, <10% plasma cells in the bone marrow, and absence of end-organ damage (CRAB-hypercalcaemia, renal insufficiency, anaemia, or bone lesions). MGUS is present in 3% of persons >50 years and in 5% >70 years of age. The risk of progression to multiple myeloma (MM) or a related disorder is 1% per year. Patients with risk factors consisting of an abnormal serum free light chain ratio, non-immunoglobulin G (IgG) MGUS, and an elevated serum M protein >/=15 g/l had a risk of progression at 20 years of 58%, compared with 37% with two risk factors present, 21% with one risk factor present, and 5% when none of the risk factors were present. Smouldering (asymptomatic) multiple myeloma is characterized by having a serum IgG or IgA monoclonal protein of 30 g/l or higher and/or 10% or more plasma cells in the bone marrow but no evidence of end-organ damage. The cumulative probability of progression to active MM or amyloidosis was 51% at 5 years, 66% at 10 years and 73% at 15 years; the median time to progression was 4.8 years.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smoldering multiple myeloma

In 1978, the term "monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance" (MGUS) was introduced. MGUS is defined as a serum monoclonal (M) protein less than 3.0 g/dL; less than 10% plasma cells in the bone marrow, if done; little or no M protein in the urine; and absence of lytic bone lesions, anemia, hypercalcemia or renal insufficiency. This article discusses the recognition, prevalence, natural history, and progression of MGUS. Management of the disease is discussed along with its association with other disorders. Information on smoldering multiple myeloma is included.

Acquired deficiency of the inhibitor of the first complement component: presentation, diagnosis, course, and conventional management

Acquired deficiency of the inhibitor of the first complement component (C1-INH) is a rare, potentially life-threatening disease whose cause, course, and management are not completely defined. This article analyzes the etiopathogenetic mechanism, the clinical presentation, and the relationship between acquired C1-INH deficiency and lymphoproliferative disorders. Moreover, the authors give an overview of the outcome of the disease and the different therapies proposed to cure it.

Hereditary and acquired angioedema: problems and progress: proceedings of the third C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency workshop and beyond

Hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare but life-threatening condition, manifests as acute attacks of facial, laryngeal, genital, or peripheral swelling or abdominal pain secondary to intra-abdominal edema. Resulting from mutations affecting C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), inhibitor of the first complement system component, attacks are not histamine-mediated and do not respond to antihistamines or corticosteroids. Low awareness and resemblance to other disorders often delay diagnosis; despite availability of C1-INH replacement in some countries, no approved, safe acute attack therapy exists in the United States. The biennial C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency Workshops resulted from a European initiative for better knowledge and treatment of HAE and related diseases. This supplement contains work presented at the third workshop and expanded content toward a definitive picture of angioedema in the absence of allergy. Most notably, it includes cumulative genetic investigations; multinational laboratory diagnosis recommendations; current pathogenesis hypotheses; suggested prophylaxis and acute attack treatment, including home treatment; future treatment options; and analysis of patient subpopulations, including pediatric patients and patients whose angioedema worsened during pregnancy or hormone administration. Causes and management of acquired angioedema and a new type of angioedema with normal C1-INH are also discussed. Collaborative patient and physician efforts, crucial in rare diseases, are emphasized. This supplement seeks to raise awareness and aid diagnosis of HAE, optimize treatment for all patients, and provide a platform for further research in this rare, partially understood disorder.

Monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance: a review

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) denotes the presence of a monoclonal protein (M-protein) in patients without evidence of multiple myeloma (MM), macroglobulinemia, amyloidosis (AL), or a related plasma cell proliferative disorder. MGUS is found in approximately 3% of persons older than 70 years and in about 1% of those older than 50 years. In a series of 1384 patients from south-eastern Minnesota in whom MGUS was diagnosed at Mayo Clinic from 1960 through 1994, the risk of progression was 1% per year. Patients were at risk of progression even after 25 years or more of a stable monoclonal gammopathy. The risk of development of MM was increased by 25-fold, the risk of macroglobulinemia was 46-fold, and the risk of primary AL was 8.4-fold when compared with a similar population (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results). The concentration of the serum M-protein was the major independent predictor of progression. Patients with an immunoglobulin M (IgM) or an IgA monoclonal gammopathy had a higher risk of progression than those with an IgG monoclonal gammopathy. The presence of a urine M-protein or the reduction of one or more uninvolved Igs was not a risk factor for progression. MGUS may be associated with many different disorders, including lymphoproliferative diseases, leukemia, connective tissue disorders, dermatologic diseases, and neurologic disorders.

Autoantibodies and lymphoproliferative diseases in acquired C1-inhibitor deficiencies

Angioedema due to acquired C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency (also referred to as "acquired angioedema") is a rare, life-threatening disease with poorly defined etiology, therapy, and prognosis. To define the profile of acquired C1-INH deficiency and to facilitate the clinical approach to these patients, we report on 23 patients with acquired C1-INH deficiency followed for up to 24 years (median, 8 yr), and review the literature. We measured C1-INH activity with chromogenic assay and detected autoantibodies to C1-INH by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Median age at onset of angioedema was 57 years (range, 39-75 yr). All patients had C1-INH function and C4 antigen below 50% of normal. C1q was reduced in 17 patients. Autoantibodies to C1-INH were present in 17 patients. Long-term prophylaxis of attacks with danazol was effective in 2 of 6 patients, and with tranexamic acid, in 12 of 13 patients. Therapy with C1-INH plasma concentrate was necessary in 12 patients: 9 had rapid positive response and 3 became progressively resistant. Associated diseases at the last follow-up were non-Hodgkin lymphomas (3 patients), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (1 patient), breast cancer (1 patient), monoclonal gammopathies of uncertain significance (13 patients). In 4 patients no pathologic condition could be demonstrated. Compared with the general population, patients with acquired C1-INH deficiency present higher risk for B-cell malignancies, but not for progression of monoclonal gammopathies of uncertain significance to malignancy. Antifibrinolytic agents are more effective than attenuated androgens in long-term prophylaxis. Patients with acquired C1-INH deficiency may be resistant to replacement therapy with C1-INH plasma concentrate.

Monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance

The term 'monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance' denotes the presence of a monoclonal protein in patients without evidence of multiple myeloma, macroglobulinemia, amyloidosis or related plasma cell proliferative disorders. The disorder has been found in approximately 3% of persons older than 70 years and in approximately 1% of persons older than 50 years. A population-based study included 1384 patients from south-eastern Minnesota who had the disorder diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic from 1960 through 1994. Risk of progression was about 1% per year, but patients were at risk of progression even after 25 years or more of stable monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. The risk for development of multiple myeloma was increased 25-fold; the risk of macroglobulinemia, 46-fold; and the risk of primary amyloidosis, 8.4-fold. Concentration and type of monoclonal protein were the only independent predictors of progression. The presence of a urine monoclonal protein and the reduction of one or more uninvolved immunoglobulins were not risk factors for progression. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance may be associated with various disorders, including lymphoproliferative diseases, leukemia, von Willebrand disease, connective tissue diseases and neurologic disorders.

[Non-allergic angioedema: update]

PURPOSE

Nonallergic isolated angioedema is an uncommon clinical syndrome raising difficult diagnosis and therapeutic problems. Occurrences linked to a C1Inh are the predominant ones and have to be examined as a priority, taking into account the specificity of the associated follow-up.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS

Diseases with a clinical profile close to hereditary angioneurotic edema, but without C1Inh anomaly, have been described recently. It is in fact family cases, concerning only women, where estrogens seem to play a dominant role. Angioedema's secondary aspects are gathering various pathologies (vasculitis, Gleich's syndrome, angioedema initiated by physical agents). The role played by some drugs must not be forgotten, mainly angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, which are at the origin of angiodema in nearly 0.5% of users.

FUTURE PROSPECT AND PROJECTS

Uncontrolled activation of the contact system seems to play a major role in the main part of these angiodemas. The efficiency of the tranexaminic acid (which modulates its activation) is to be taken as evident. The key to the future seems to be the development of plasmin and bradykinin inhibitors.

Life-threatening angioedema in systemic lupus erythematosus

Life-threatening angioedema involving the upper respiratory tract is an uncommon manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report three patients in their late adolescence who had laryngeal oedema causing airway obstruction and requiring mechanical ventilation during active disease following symptoms of a respiratory tract infection. All of them had major organ involvement from lupus and none had a family history of hereditary angioedema (HAE). The mechanisms of angioedema in SLE are heterogeneous. There has been little evidence so far of anti-Cl inhibitor (Cl INH) autoantibody in SLE patients with angioedema. These are the first three cases reported in the literature of life-threatening angioedema following respiratory tract infection in SLE.

Acquired C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency

Acquired C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency is a rare condition associated with autoimmune or low-grade lymphoproliferative disorders. Adults or elderly patients are most commonly affected. The diagnosis is suspected when patients present with recurrent angioedema and low serum levels of C4 with normal levels of C3. Low levels of C1q and low C1 esterase inhibitor activity confirm the diagnosis. In this paper, we summarize experience with 22 cases of acquired C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency in the context of a review of the published literature on diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Monomeric Complement-Activating IgG Paraproteins

Three patients presented a unique syndrome of recurrent panniculitis with an IgGκ paraprotein and depletion of the early components of the classical pathway of complement. The IgGκ paraproteins were monomers with a normal structure, and with no evidence for aggregation, as assessed by electron microscopy and ultracentrifugation. Both heavy and light chains were of normal molecular size (SDS-PAGE), and the paraproteins were not heavily glycosylated. However, the paraproteins from all three patients had unusual features that included abnormal behavior on gel filtration chromatography and a heavy chain of high pI. When analyzed by fast protein liquid chromatography (Superdex 200), elution of the paraproteins was retarded, particularly when the ionic strength was increased. This retardation was partially reversed in 20% alcohol, and fully reversed in 6 M guanidine-HCl. Neither anti-C1 inhibitor nor anti-C1q autoantibodies were found in any of the patients’ sera. However, the paraproteins bound to the globular heads of C1q at normal ionic strength. They activated C4 in normal human serum, but not in C1q-deficient serum. Activation led to the formation of C1s-C1 inhibitor complexes. Taken together, the data suggest that the unusual paraproteins have the capacity to bind C1q, which then leads to activation of C1. The ability of these paraproteins to activate C1, in spite of their being soluble monomers, is likely to be related to their unique physicochemical features.

Acquired angioedema

Acquired angioedema (AAE) is a rare disorder that has been categorized into two forms, AAE-I and AAE-II. AAE-I is associated with other diseases, most commonly B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. AAE-II is defined by the presence of an autoantibody directed against the C1-inhibitor molecule. Differentiating AAE-I from AAE-II is vital because different therapeutic interventions are required for each type. This review summarizes the clinical aspects, pathophysiology, and management of AAE compared with the types of hereditary angioedema.

Acquired deficiency in C1-inhibitor associated with signet ring cell gastric adenocarcinoma: a probable connection of antitumor-associated antibodies, hemolytic anemia, and complement turnover

BACKGROUND

Acquired deficiency in C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) associated with malignancy is often asymptomatic because clinical manifestations are not dependent on a critical complement threshold (in contrast to hereditary C1-INH deficiency). Increased complement consumption involving different kinds of antibodies is the postulated mechanism for this disease, but other factors must play an important role.

CASE REPORT

A 76-year-old woman with unremarkable medical history experienced three episodes of angioedema over 6 months. Investigations revealed a complement profile characteristic of acquired deficiency in C1-INH, a hemolytic anemia, and a signet ring cell adenocarcinoma (linitis plastica). A gastrectomy and a splenectomy were performed. The postoperative course was characterized by a complete disappearance of the symptoms of angioedema and hemolytic anemia. A local recurrence of the tumor 5 months later could not be resected. The patient died 17 months after the initial surgery was performed.

RESULTS

Quantitative and functional analyses of the complement factors showed persistent excessive complement consumption. Markers of hemolytic anemia disappeared after tumor removal but recurred in the second part of the disease evolution. Immunohistochemical findings in tumor tissue showed loss of normal blood group antigens but expression of Lea antigen, as well as C1q deposition.

CONCLUSION

To explain the whole clinical and laboratory picture, we hypothesize a connection between tumor immunohistochemical profile, complement consumption, and hemolytic anemia. Tumor cell surface antigens might lead to a permanent but asymptomatic complement consumption that is worsened and becomes clinically manifest by superimposed hemolytic anemia caused by cross-reactive antibodies to newly expressed blood group antigens on tumor cells. This hypothesis should be confirmed by other observations.

Panniculitis and fever in children

We describe three children with panniculitis and associated systemic manifestations including fever. Histopathologic features, such as the presence of lobular or septal inflammation, presence of vasculitis, character of the cellular infiltrate, and presence of erythrophagocytosis, were useful in classifying this group of panniculitides. In one patient with subcutaneous polyarteritis nodosa, corticosteroid therapy was effective; in two other patients with histiocytic cytophagic panniculitis, there were poor responses to steroids, intravenously administered immune globulin, dapsone, or antimalarial drugs; cyclosporine was very effective and appeared to be the drug of choice.

Acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency associated with systemic lupus erythematosus affecting the central nervous system

A 22 year old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus affecting the central nervous system had acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency. She was admitted for treatment of psychotic behaviour, but showed no signs of angioedema. The serum complement profile of the patient showed normal C3 concentration and a depletion of C4, C2, C1 inhibitor, and C1q. Her parents had normal complement profiles. An extremely reduced C4 concentration may lead to involvement of the central nervous system in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Diagnostic significance of hypocomplementemia

Hypocomplementemia is an important marker for the presence of IC-mediated disease and can be used to assess disease activity. However, in interpreting the clinical significance of hypocomplementemia, the following must be kept in mind: 1) There are numerous non-immunologic conditions that also can cause hypocomplementemia. Furthermore, some of these conditions can cause a multisystem disease that, along with the hypocomplementemia, can closely resemble an IC-mediated systemic vasculitis. Furthermore, these nonimmunologic conditions that lower serum complement levels can complicate the course of patients with inactive IC-mediated disease, spuriously indicating that the disease is active. The most relevant of these differential diagnostic problems are listed in Table 2. 2) There are a few conditions (for example, pregnancy) that can raise serum complement levels, thereby possibly obscuring the presence of a disorder (such as, active SLE) that is lowering complement levels. 3) There are some conditions that might be expected to lower serum complement levels, because of their effect on protein metabolism, but do not. Nephrotic syndrome, and moderately poor nutrition are examples. All of these factors should be considered when interpreting results of serum complement levels in a given patient.