Unusual increased beta-globulins in an elderly patient

T cell receptor rearrangements in a patient with γ-heavy chain disease: A case report

Heavy chain diseases (HCDs) are rare B cell lymphoplasma cell proliferative disorders that are characterized by the production of incomplete monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chains without the associated light chains. γ-HCD (IgG subtype) is a rare subtype, with ~150 cases reported in the literature to date; however, to the best of our knowledge, no reports of T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement in γ-HCD exist in the literature. The present study reports the case of an 81-year-old man with γ-heavy chain disease associated with TCR gene rearrangement, identified in lymph node biopsy and bone marrow aspirate specimens. The present case revealed an alternative manifestation of γ-HCD, which may provide additional biological insights into this rare B cell disorder.