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

RATIONALE: 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). PATIENT CONCERNS: 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. DIAGNOSIS: Renal biopsy confirmed AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma was excluded by bone marrow cytomorphologic examination. INTERVENTIONS: 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. OUTCOMES: 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. LESSONS: 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.