Ocular pathology in light chain deposition disease

Eur J Ophthalmol. 1995 Apr-Jun;5(2):75-81. doi: 10.1177/112067219500500202.

Abstract

Light-chain deposition disease (LCDD), a rare form of monoclonal gammopathy, is characterized by deposits of amorphous light-chain material, mainly in the kidneys but also in various other organs. Here we present the first report of a light-, electron microscopic and immunohistochemical study of the globes of a patient suffering from LCDD secondary to multiple myeloma. Massive deposits of kappa light chains similar to those typically present in the kidneys were found beneath the basement membrane of the ciliary pigment epithelium, on vessels of the ciliary body, within the collagenous zones of Bruch's membrane, and in the innermost part of the choroid. The choriocapillaris in the macular area was partly obstructed by these deposits, and an exudative retinal detachment was present. Whether this detachment was the consequence of disturbed circulation of the choriocapillaris remains speculative.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Basement Membrane / metabolism
  • Basement Membrane / pathology
  • Blood Vessels / pathology
  • Bruch Membrane / metabolism
  • Bruch Membrane / pathology
  • Choroid / blood supply
  • Choroid / metabolism
  • Choroid / pathology
  • Ciliary Body / blood supply
  • Ciliary Body / metabolism
  • Ciliary Body / pathology
  • Eye Diseases / etiology*
  • Eye Diseases / metabolism
  • Eye Diseases / pathology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Hypergammaglobulinemia / etiology*
  • Hypergammaglobulinemia / metabolism
  • Hypergammaglobulinemia / pathology*
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / metabolism*
  • Multiple Myeloma / complications
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / metabolism
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / pathology
  • Retinal Detachment / etiology
  • Retinal Detachment / pathology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains