Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Systemic lambda light-chain deposition in a patient with myeloma.

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981; 282 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.282.6265.681 (Published 28 February 1981) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:681
  1. D Ganeval,
  2. L H Noël,
  3. D Droz,
  4. J Leibowitch

    Abstract

    Systemic lambda light-chain deposition occurred in a 73-year-old man with myeloma. An initial renal biopsy specimen showed the features of myeloma kidney. When he died 22 months later lambda light chains were detected by immunofluorescence in kidneys, liver, spleen, and heart. They were probably responsible for cardiac dysfunction and the fatal arrhythmia. It is suggested that in this patient deposition was due to a structural alteration of the light chains, possibly induced by cyclophosphamide.