Acquired factor X deficiency in systemic amyloidosis

Bilateral periorbital ecchymoses. An often missed sign of amyloid purpura

Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a systemic disease caused by a plasma cell clone synthesizing an unstable light chain, which forms amyloid fibrils. Deposition of amyloid fibrils affects primarily kidney, heart, nervous system, spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract and the skin. Skin bleeding in these patients is called amyloid purpura. Classically, it occurs spontaneously and bilaterally in the periorbital region. Vessel wall fragility and damage by amyloid are the principal causes of periorbital and gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, coagulation factor inhibitory circulating paraprotein, hyperfibrinolysis, platelet dysfunction or isolated acquired factor X deficiency may contribute to even more severe, diffuse bleedings. Early diagnosis remains essential for improving prognosis of patients with AL amyloidosis. Although pictures of amyloid purpura have been often reported in the literature, the clinical diagnosis may be delayed. We report a case of cutaneous manifestation of AL amyloidosis diagnosed not until one year after the appearance of the first symptoms. Diagnostic work-up revealed that the patient suffered from multiple myeloma with secondary AL amyloidosis. Atraumatic ecchymoses at the face, particularly the eyelids as well as in the neck should raise the suspicion of AL amyloidosis.

A unique circulating inhibitor with specificity for coagulation factor X

An 84-year-old woman presented with extensive cutaneous and gastrointestinal bleeding. Initial laboratory studies revealed a prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. Further investigations revealed a circulating anticoagulant with specificity for factor X. The patient's hemorrhage resolved with supportive measures only. Approximately 11 months after presentation, the inhibitor disappeared.