Intravascular immunoglobulin crystalloids in monoclonal cryoglubulinemia-associated dermatitis: ultrastructural findings

[Lupus nephritis with crystal structures in glomerulopathy ]

Lupus nephritis is a common phenomenon in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). We analyzed a renal biopsy of a 30-year-old woman with SLE. The clinical history showed a typical SLE with generalized symptoms without demonstrable lupus coagulant, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and anti-ds-DNA antibodies but negative for rheumatoid factor, cryoglobulins and antiphospholipid antibodies. A paraproteinemia for IgA, IgG and IgM was not detectable. Using light, electron and immunoelectron microscopy electron-dense deposits were noted in subepithelial, subendothelial and mesangial position. Most remarkably, the electron-dense deposits and mesangial areas in the vicinity of deposits contained an electron-dense crystalline material. The crystalline structures were composed of IgG and kappa light chains, while they were negative for IgM, IgA and lambda light chains, as demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy. As far as we know, this is the first case of lupus nephritis with crystalline structures. Since we could not detect cryoglobulinemia or paraproteinemia, other mechanisms possibly favor organization of macromolecular structures.

[Nasal septal perforation and systemic disease]

INTRODUCTION

Nasal septal perforations are mainly due to trauma. Our review highlights systemic diseases leading to this disorder.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS

Various systemic diseases may be responsible of nasal septal perforation: Wegener's granulomatosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, sarcoidosis, cryoglobulinaemia. But, very few data are available about the frequency of septum nasal perforation in each disease. Clinical manifestations are numerous and not specific: obstruction, epistaxis, postnasal discharge, whistling, crusting. Asymptomatic forms are frequent. Biopsy of nasal septum is poorly useful for the diagnosis except when granuloma or vasculitis is found. Pathophysiologic mechanisms of nasal septal perforation are ischemic, infectious or inflammatory.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS

Systemic disease may be suspected in unclear nasal septal perforation. More, in systemic disease, even when symptoms are absent, intranasal examination is required.