Complete remission of both immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis and psoriasis after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A case report

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) is characterized by the deposition of abnormal amyloid protein produced by a pathological plasma cell clone in various organs and soft tissues. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an effective way to treat AL amyloidosis. Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disease (AID) and HSCT is a potential treatment for severe AIDs. We report a rare case of AL amyloidosis coincidence with psoriasis obtained continuous complete remission of the 2 diseases by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). A 58-year-old man with a 30-year history of psoriasis complaining of edema and hypotension for 2 weeks was referred to our institution. His urine protein was quantified 2.83 g/day, without hematuria and decrease of glomerular filtration rate. Renal biopsy confirmed AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma was excluded by bone marrow cytomorphologic examination. Chemotherapy regimen based on bortezomib and thalidomide had achieved hematologic partial remission, but the kidney had no response and psoriasis was still active. Furthermore, he received a standard myeloablative conditioning with high dose melphalan followed by ASCT. The erythema with slivery scales of psoriasis vulgaris gradually improved and almost disappeared after granulocyte implantation. He obtained persistent hematological complete remission, organ response and recovery of psoriasis. We report a rare case of AL amyloidosis coincidence with psoriasis treated by ASCT. The outcome of this patient indicated that ASCT has therapeutic values both in AL amyloidosis and AIDs.