Distribution of amyloidosis subtypes based on tissue biopsy site - Consecutive analysis of 729 patients at a single amyloidosis center in Japan

Sudden unexpected death after initial infusion of rituximab for Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma: an autopsy case

BACKGROUND

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is defined as a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) involving the bone marrow (BM) with presence of IgM monoclonal protein, and comprises > 95% of all LPL cases. Rituximab-based regimens have been predominant in the management of WM. Infusion-related reactions (IRRs) are a primary concern with rituximab, although it is generally better tolerated with less toxicity than conventional anticancer agents. Here, we present an autopsy case of an elderly man who died suddenly after receiving the initial infusion of rituximab for WM/LPL.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 84-year-old man was found dead in his bedroom. He had undergone the initial intravenous rituximab infusion for progressive anemia related to Waldenström's macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (WM/LPL) approximately 15 h before death. Although the protocol for rituximab administration and additional medication was considered appropriate, he exhibited several symptoms consistent with infusion-related reactions (IRRs) during the infusion. Autopsy revealed monotonous proliferation of small-to-medium-sized lymphocytic cells in the bone marrow, consistent with the premortem diagnosis of WM/LPL. Additionally, immunoglobulin λ-light chain-derived amyloid (ALλ) deposition was identified in all organs other than the brain. Although ALλ deposition and LPL infiltration were found in the heart, they were not severe enough to cause severe functional impairment. Severe congestion and/or edema were observed in the lungs, liver, and brain. Although significant inflammatory cell infiltration was not found in any organs, laboratory tests revealed elevated serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and the presence of IgM-λ monoclonal protein.

CONCLUSION

Acute IRRs associated with the initial rituximab infusion were the major contributing factor to his sudden unexpected death. The autopsy findings of present case suggest the necessity for thorough monitoring of older patients with WM/LPL undergoing rituximab treatment, particularly when pronounced IRRs occur during the first administration, in addition to investigating complications of WM/LPL before infusion.

Amyloid-Forming Corpora Amylacea and Spheroid-Type Amyloid Deposition: Comprehensive Analysis Using Immunohistochemistry, Proteomics, and a Literature Review

This study aimed to elucidate the similarities and differences between amyloid-forming corpora amylacea (CA) in the prostate and lung, examine the nature of CAs in cystic tumors of the atrioventricular node (CTAVN), and clarify the distinctions between amyloid-forming CA and spheroid-type amyloid deposition. We conducted proteomics analyses using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with laser microdissection and immunohistochemistry to validate the characteristics of CAs in the lung and prostate. Our findings revealed that the CAs in these organs primarily consisted of common proteins (β2-microglobulin and lysozyme) and locally produced proteins. Moreover, we observed a discrepancy between the histopathological and proteomic analysis results in CTAVN-associated CAs. In addition, while the histopathological appearance of the amyloid-forming CAs and spheroid-type amyloid deposits were nearly identical, the latter deposition lacked β2-microglobulin and lysozyme and exhibited evident destruction of the surrounding tissue. A literature review further supported these findings. These results suggest that amyloid-forming CAs in the lung and prostate are formed through a shared mechanism, serving as waste containers (wasteosomes) and/or storage for excess proteins (functional amyloids). In contrast, we hypothesize that while amyloid-forming CA and spheroid-type amyloid deposits are formed, in part, through common mechanisms, the latter are pathological.

Morphological findings in different subtypes of hepatic amyloid

The classic findings have been well described for light-chain amyloid involving the liver. In addition to light chain, however, many additional proteins are now known to be amyloidogenic and can involve the liver. A total of 58 surgical pathology specimens with amyloid deposits were analyzed for patterns of amyloid deposition, including amyloid from light chain lambda (N = 17), light chain kappa (N = 15), transthyretin (N = 15), serum amyloid A (N = 4), apolipoprotein A1 (N = 4), fibrinogen alpha (N = 2), LECT2 (N = 1). Amyloid deposits predominately targeted the liver vasculature, including the walls of the hepatic arteries, portal veins, and sinusoids. While there was overlap, light chain amyloid predominately involved the sinusoids, while transthyretin amyloid predominately targeted the hepatic arteries, especially the larger ones in the hilum and larger portal tracts. Serum amyloid A formed nodular deposits that started in the portal vasculature but then extended into the portal tract stroma, leading to large, bulbous, portal-based amyloid deposits. Apolipoprotein A amyloid also formed large portal-based nodules. Fibrinogen was mild and subtle on H&E and predominately affected portal veins. Amyloid deposits in hilar nerves were prominent with amyloid light chain, transthyretin, and apolipoprotein A1. In conclusion, the histology of hepatic amyloid is diverse and shows several distinct clusters of findings that can aide in recognition in surgical pathology specimens.

Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with monoclonal gammopathy and renal damage in central China: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

Renal involvement is common in monoclonal gammopathy (MG); however, the same patient may have both MG and non-paraprotein-associated renal damage. Accordingly, distinguishing the cause of renal damage is necessary because of the different clinical characteristics and associated treatments. In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, we described the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of 703 patients with MG and renal damage in central China. Patients were classified as having MG of renal significance (MGRS), MG of undetermined significance (MGUS), or hematological malignancy. 260 (36.98%), 259 (36.84%), and 184 (26.17%) had MGRS, MGUS, and hematological malignancies, respectively. Amyloidosis was the leading pattern of MGRS (74.23%), followed by thrombotic microangiopathy (8.85%) and monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (8.46%). Membranous nephropathy was the leading diagnosis of MGUS (39.38%). Renal pathological findings of patients with hematological malignancies included paraprotein-associated lesions (84.78%) and non-paraprotein-associated lesions (15.22%). The presence of nephrotic syndrome and an abnormal free light chain (FLC) ratio were independently associated with MGRS. The overall survival was better in patients with MGUS than in those with MGRS or hematological malignancies.

Amyloid detection and typing yield of skin biopsy in systemic amyloidosis and polyneuropathy

OBJECTIVE

Disease-modifying therapies are available for amyloidosis but are ineffective if end-organ damage is severe. As small fiber neuropathy is an early and common feature of amyloidosis, we assessed detection and typing yield of skin biopsy for amyloid in patients with confirmed systemic amyloidosis and neuropathic symptoms.

METHODS

In this case-control study, patients with transthyretin and light chain amyloidosis (ATTRv, ATTRwt, and AL) were consecutively recruited. They were sex and age-matched to three control groups (1) non-neuropathic controls (NNC), (2) monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and (3) other neuropathic disease controls (ONC). Patients underwent a double 3 mm skin biopsy in proximal and distal leg. Amyloid index and burden, protein typing by immuno-electron microscopy, intraepidermal nerve fiber density, electroneuromyography, and clinical characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTS

We studied 15 subjects with confirmed systemic amyloidosis, 20 NNC, 18 MGUS, and 20 ONC. Amyloid was detected in 100% of patients with amyloidosis (87% in ankle and 73% in thigh). It was not detected in any of the control groups. A small fiber neuropathy was encountered in 100% of amyloidosis patients, in 80% of MGUS, and in 78% of ONC. Amyloid burden was higher in ATTRv, followed by AL and ATTRwt. The ultrastructural examination allowed the identification of the precursor protein by immunotyping in most of the cases.

INTERPRETATION

Skin biopsy is a minimally invasive test with optimal sensitivity for amyloid. It allows amyloid typing by electron microscope to identify the precursor protein. The diagnostic work up of systemic amyloidosis should include a skin biopsy.

Musculoskeletal manifestations associated with transthyretin-mediated (ATTR) amyloidosis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Hereditary and wild-type transthyretin-mediated (ATTRv and ATTRwt) amyloidoses result from the misfolding of transthyretin and aggregation of amyloid plaques in multiple organ systems. Diagnosis of ATTR amyloidosis is often delayed due to its heterogenous and non-specific presentation. This review investigates the association of musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations with ATTR amyloidosis and the delay from the onset of these manifestations to the diagnosis of ATTR amyloidosis.

METHODS

This systematic review utilized Medline and EMBASE databases. Search criteria were outlined using a pre-specified patient, intervention, comparator, outcome, time, study (PICOTS) criteria and included: amyloidosis, ATTR, and MSK manifestations. Publication quality was assessed utilizing Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklists. The search initially identified 7,139 publications, 164 of which were included. PICOTS criteria led to the inclusion of epidemiology, clinical burden and practice, pathophysiology, and temporality of MSK manifestations associated with ATTR amyloidosis. 163 publications reported on ATTR amyloidosis and MSK manifestations, and 13 publications reported on the delay in ATTR amyloidosis diagnosis following the onset of MSK manifestations.

RESULTS

The MSK manifestation most frequently associated with ATTR amyloidosis was carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS); spinal stenosis (SS) and osteoarthritis (OA), among others, were also identified. The exact prevalence of different MSK manifestations in patients with ATTR amyloidosis remains unclear, as a broad range of prevalence estimates were reported. Moreover, the reported prevalence of MSK manifestations showed no clear trend or distinction in association between ATTRv and ATTRwt amyloidosis. MSK manifestations precede the diagnosis of ATTR amyloidosis by years, and there was substantial variation in the reported delay to ATTR amyloidosis diagnosis. Reports do suggest a longer diagnostic delay in patients with ATTRv amyloidosis, with 2 to 12 years delay in ATTRv versus 1.3 to 1.9 years delay in ATTRwt amyloidosis.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that orthopedic surgeons may play a role in the early diagnosis of and treatment referrals for ATTR amyloidosis. Detection of MSK manifestations may enable earlier diagnosis and administration of effective treatments before disease progression occurs.

Long-term surgical results of trabeculectomy for secondary glaucoma in Val30Met hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis

This study reports the long-term results of trabeculectomy (LEC) for secondary glaucoma in hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis patients and its correlation with prior vitrectomy. A retrospective case series was conducted involving 31 consecutive eyes of 20 ATTRv amyloidosis patients who underwent LEC between 2007 and 2020. The mean follow-up period was 73.2 ± 37.0 months (range: 20-181 months). Postoperative intraocular pressures (IOPs) were evaluated based on the following criteria: (a) IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg without additional glaucoma surgeries, except for laser suture lysis, (b) IOP between 6 and 15 mmHg without additional glaucoma surgeries, except for laser suture lysis, and (c) IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg without additional glaucoma surgeries, except for needling and laser suture lysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed survival rates after LEC of 0.52 at 36 months, 0.42 at 60 months, and 0.25 at 84 months under criterion (a); 0.49 at 36 months, 0.27 at 60 months, and 0.11 at 84 months under criterion (b); and 0.76 at 36 months, 0.71 at 60 months, and 0.65 at 84 months under criterion (c). Eyes with a history of small gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy (SGTV) exhibited a tendency towards lower survival rates, although no statistically significant difference was observed (log-rank test; p = 0.193 under criterion (a) and p = 0.0553 under criterion (b)). Our findings suggest that LEC and additional needling procedures can provide some control over IOP; however, the overall postoperative outcomes of LEC for ATTRv amyloidosis remain unsatisfactory, even in the era of SGTV with reduced conjunctival scarring.

Transthyretin Variant Amyloidosis with a TTR A97D (p.A117D) Mutation Manifesting Remarkable Asymmetric Neuropathy

We herein report a 68-year-old Japanese man with sporadic variant transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis harboring the novel variant A97D (p.A117D) in TTR. He had slow development of asymmetric neuropathy, unintentional weight loss, mild autonomic failure and mild cardiomyopathy. TTR amyloid deposition on the gastric duodenal mucosa was detected. In silico analyses predicted that TTR A97D (p.A117D) altered the structure and function of the TTR protein. ATTRv amyloidosis is often difficult to diagnose in non-endemic regions due to its diverse phenotypes, such as atypical peripheral nerve involvement and a rare family history.

Risk Stratification in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis: The Added Value of Lung Spirometry

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is an increasingly recognized disease that often results in heart failure and death. Traditionally, biological staging systems are used to stratify disease severity. Reduced aerobic capacity has recently been described as useful in identifying higher risk of cardiovascular events and death. Assessment of lung volume via simple spirometry might also hold prognostic relevance. We aimed to assess the combined prognostic value of spirometry, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and biomarker staging in ATTR-CA patients in a multi-parametric approach. We retrospectively reviewed patient records with pulmonary function and CPET testing. Patients were followed until study endpoint (MACE: composite of heart-failure-related hospitalization and all-cause death) or censure (1 April 2022). In total, 82 patients were enrolled. Median follow-up was 9 months with 31 (38%) MACE. Impaired peak VO₂ and forced vital capacity (FVC) were independent predictors of MACE-free survival, with peak VO₂ < 50% and FVC < 70% defining the highest risk group (HR 26, 95% CI: 5-142, mean survival: 15 months) compared to patients with the lowest risk (peak VO₂ ≥ 50% and FVC ≥ 70%). Combined peak VO₂, FVC and ATTR biomarker staging significantly improved MACE prediction by 35% compared to ATTR staging alone, with 67% patients reassigned a higher risk category (p < 0.01). In conclusion, combining functional and biological markers might synergistically improve risk stratification in ATTR-CA. Integrating simple, non-invasive and easily applicable CPET and spirometry in the routine management of ATTR-CA patients might prove useful for improved risk prediction, optimized monitoring and timely introduction of newer-generation therapies.

N-terminal peptide fragment constitutes core of amyloid deposition of serum amyloid A: An imaging mass spectrometry study

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein, which undergoes structural changes and deposits in the extracellular matrix, causing organ damage. Systemic AA amyloidosis is a relatively common amyloid subtype among the more than 30 amyloid subtypes, but the mechanism of amyloid fibril formation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the tissue distribution of SAA derived peptides in formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens of human myocardium with amyloidosis using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS). In the whole SAA protein, four trypsin-digested peptides in the range of SAA2-67 were visualized and the N-terminal peptide; SAA2-15, was selectively localized in the Congo red-positive region. The C-terminal peptides; SAA47-62, SAA48-62, and SAA63-67 were detected not only in the Congo red-positive region but also in the surrounding negative region. Our results demonstrate that the N-terminal SAA2-15 plays a critical role in the formation of AA amyloid fibril, as previously reported. Roles of the C-terminal peptides require further investigation.

A stepwise data interpretation process for renal amyloidosis typing by LMD-MS

Backgrounds

Systemic amyloidosis is classified according to the deposited amyloid fibril protein (AFP), which determines its best therapeutic scheme. The most common type of AFP found are immunoglobulin light chains. The laser microdissection combined with mass spectrometry (LMD-MS) technique is a promising approach for precise typing of amyloidosis, however, the major difficulty in interpreting the MS data is how to accurately identify the precipitated AFP from background.

Objectives

The objective of the present study is to establish a complete data interpretation procedure for LMD-MS based amyloidosis typing.

Methods

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens from patients with renal amyloidosis and non-amyloid nephropathies (including diabetic nephropathy, fibrillary glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, membranous nephropathy, and normal tissue adjacent to tumors) were analyzed by LMD-MS. Forty-two specimens were used to train the data interpretation procedure, which was validated by another 50 validation specimens. Area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) analysis of amyloid accompanying proteins (AAPs, including apolipoprotein A-IV, apolipoprotein E and serum amyloid P-component) for discriminating amyloidosis from non-amyloid nephropathies was performed.

Results

A stepwise data interpretation procedure that includes or excludes the types of amyloidosis group by group was established. The involvement of AFPs other than immunoglobulin was determined by P-score, as well as immunoglobulin light chain by variable of λ-κ, and immunoglobulin heavy chain by H-score. This achieved a total of 88% accuracy in 50 validation specimens. The AAPs showed significantly different expression levels between amyloidosis specimens and non-amyloid nephropathies. Each of the single AAP had a AUROC value more than 0.9 for diagnosis of amyloidosis from non-amyloid control, and the averaged level of the three AAPs showed the highest AUROC (0.966), which might be an alternative indicator for amyloidosis diagnosis.

Conclusions

The proteomic data interpretation procedure for LMD-MS based amyloidosis typing was established successfully that has a high practicability in clinical application.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-022-02785-9.

Localized Amyloidosis of the Nasal Mucosa: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Amyloidosis is a disorder of protein folding in which various proteins automatically aggregate into a highly abnormal fibrillar conformation. Amyloidosis is classified into systemic and localized forms depending on whether the abnormal proteins deposited in several different organs or only a single organ. In localized amyloidosis of the head and neck regions, laryngeal amyloidosis is common; however, localized amyloidosis of the nose is extremely rare. We herein report a case of localized amyloidosis of the nose and review the relevant literature on localized sinonasal amyloidosis. A 41-year-old man presented with a history of severe nasal obstruction, which had persisted for two decades. Nasal endoscopy and imaging studies showed extensive thickening of the bilateral nasal mucosa and diffuse submucosal deposition of calcification. After histopathological and systemic examinations, he was diagnosed with localized amyloidosis of the nasal mucosa. Septoplasty and bilateral inferior turbinoplasty, which consisted of mucosal resection using an ultrasonic bone curette, was performed and his symptoms markedly improved. Localized sinonasal amyloidosis has a good prognosis and surgical resection should be selected as a first-line treatment; however, clinicians should recognize the high probability of recurrence.

Antibody-Mediated Rejection and Recurrent Primary Disease: Two Main Obstacles in Abdominal Kidney, Liver, and Pancreas Transplants

The advances in acute phase care have firmly established the practice of organ transplantation in the last several decades. Then, the next issues that loom large in the field of transplantation include antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) and recurrent primary disease. Acute ABMR is a daunting hurdle in the performance of organ transplantation. The recent progress in desensitization and preoperative monitoring of donor-specific antibodies enables us to increase positive outcomes. However, chronic active ABMR is one of the most significant problems we currently face. On the other hand, recurrent primary disease is problematic for many recipients. Notably, some recipients, unfortunately, lost their vital organs due to this recurrence. Although some progress has been achieved in these two areas, many other factors remain largely obscure. In this review, these two topics will be discussed in light of recent discoveries.

Effects of sporadic transthyretin amyloidosis frequently on the gallbladder and the correlation between amyloid deposition in the gallbladder and heart: A forensic autopsy-based histopathological evaluation

The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinicopathological features of cholecystic ATTR deposition in patients with cardiac involvement, investigate the correlation of amyloid deposition severity in the gallbladder and the heart, and compare its prevalence in the gallbladder and other organs. Fifty patients with sporadic ATTR amyloidosis were identified. Of these, we evaluated 15 patients who underwent gallbladder sampling accurately. Among 10 patients (67%) with cholecystic deposition, six exhibited detectable deposition in the hematoxylin and eosin-stained specimens, and all of them displayed obstructive vascular deposition (VD). The severity of gall bladder VD was statistically correlated with that of cardiac VD and atrial interstitial deposition (ID). Additionally, all patients exhibiting cholecystic ID displayed severe ventricular and atrial IDs. In visceral organs excluding the heart, amyloid deposition was commonly observed in the lungs (93%), followed by the gastrointestinal tract (47%-80%), liver (60%) and periosteal tissues (53%). The involvement of the gallbladder was prevalent and comparable to that of the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the severity of cholecystic deposition was correlated with that of cardiac deposition. Therefore, pathologists should be aware that sporadic ATTR amyloidosis is a common condition and should not be overlooked.

Development of diagnostic antibodies against immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region for heavy chain amyloidosis (AH amyloidosis)

It is difficult to diagnose immunoglobulin heavy chain amyloidosis (AH amyloidosis) without proteomic analysis due to no useful diagnostic antibodies. The aim of this study was to develop diagnostic antibodies available to immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Two rabbit anti-heavy chain variable region antibodies were generated and evaluated in immunohistochemical studies performed on 11 AH amyloidosis patients and 64 patients with other systemic amyloidoses. Additionally, immunoblotting was performed using extracted amyloid protein from one patient and serum samples from two patients with AH amyloidosis. Immunohistochemical analysis generated a positive outcome in 10 of 11 AH amyloidosis patients (sensitivity 90.9%). While positive staining was also observed in 9 of 64 non-AH amyloidosis patients (specificity 85.9%), substitution of the blocking agent reversed the positive reactivity in 5 of 9 patients. Amyloid protein band was clearly detected via immunoblotting analysis, and protein bands with similar molecular weights of amyloid protein were observed in serum samples from patients with AH amyloidosis. The two antibodies may represent a powerful diagnostic tool for AH amyloidosis. In addition, our data revealed the existence of amyloidogenic variable region fragments in the serum of patients, suggesting their potential as diagnostic markers for AH amyloidosis.