Primary sclerosing cholangitis complicated by amyloid A amyloidosis: complete regression of the nephrotic syndrome by liver transplantation

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010 Oct;22(10):1265-70. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e32833dbd81.

Abstract

Secondary amyloidosis may complicate chronic inflammatory conditions and mostly presents as a renal disease with nephrotic syndrome or renal insufficiency. Its prognosis is largely affected by control of the underlying disease. We report a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis, who developed cirrhosis over a 4-year period. Therapy with steroids and azathioprine was necessary for symptom control. Despite this treatment, she developed secondary amyloidosis with nephrotic syndrome 4 years after the initial presentation. The inflammatory process in the bile ducts was considered the cause of amyloid A amyloidosis. To control the nephrotic syndrome, liver transplantation was performed with the removal of the diseased liver and bile duct system. Liver transplantation was followed by a progressive and complete disappearance of the nephrotic syndrome. This is the first report describing the occurrence of amyloid A amyloidosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis, and the reversal of a secondary amyloidosis-induced nephrotic syndrome as a result of liver transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amyloidosis / complications*
  • Amyloidosis / metabolism
  • Amyloidosis / surgery*
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / complications
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / etiology*
  • Remission Induction
  • Serum Amyloid A Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • Serum Amyloid A Protein