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IgM Pleural Amyloidosis Diagnosed by Pleural Effusion Cell Block: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is characterized by the systemic deposition of light-chain-derived amyloids. Immunoglobulin M (IgM)-associated AL amyloidosis is extremely rare and clinically distinct. A 70-year-old man presented with dyspnea, bilateral pleural effusion, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy on computed tomography (CT). Amyloid was detected in a pleural effusion cell block and confirmed via an axillary lymph node biopsy. Serum studies and bone marrow findings supported IgM-λ AL amyloidosis associated with Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. First-line therapy failed, but second-line therapy reduced pleural effusion, avoiding thoracentesis for one year. A pleural effusion cell block analysis enabled rapid diagnosis with minimally invasive exploration.

Source: Internal Medicine

DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.7237-26

Authors: Ayana Suzuki, Takahiro Suzuki, Kakeru Hisakane, Yukari Shirakura, Kenichiro Atsumi, Yasuko Kuribayashi, Katsutoshi Ozaki, Koji Nagata, Masahiro Seike, Takashi Hirose

Institutions: Nippon Medical School Tama Nagayama Hospital, Nippon Medical School

Language: English

Topic: Amyloidosis: Diagnosis, Treatment, Outcomes

Subfield: Internal Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7201833861

FWCI:

Cites: 10

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Related to: 10