Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of refractory scleromyxedema

Transl Res. 2015 Feb;165(2):321-4. doi: 10.1016/j.trsl.2014.06.002. Epub 2014 Jun 17.

Abstract

Scleromyxedema is a rare disorder of connective tissue with unknown etiology. Its manifestation includes a generalized mucin deposition, which is frequently associated with paraproteinemia. The course of scleromyxedema is progressive and often lethal. As a result of its poorly understood pathogenesis, there is no causative treatment option. The efficacy of cytoreductive agents and autologous stem cell transplantation has been reported, but so far allografting as a treatment option has not yet been documented. Herein, we report on a patient with severe neurologic involvement and refractory course attaining durable remission after receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant from an human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling. This case not only illustrates a potential new treatment option for selected patients, but also provides insights into the pathogenesis of this rare disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Allografts
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / immunology
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / therapy
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Paraproteinemias / complications
  • Paraproteinemias / immunology
  • Paraproteinemias / therapy
  • Remission Induction
  • Scleromyxedema / complications
  • Scleromyxedema / immunology
  • Scleromyxedema / therapy*
  • Translational Research, Biomedical