Dear Label_Name,

Greetings! I hope you are well.

I am writing on behalf of an international publishing house, Science and Education Publishing, USA (http://www.sciepub.com).

Science and Education Publishing (SciEP) is a multidisciplinary open access publisher of Journals covering the fields of Science, Technology and Medicine. All SciEP publications are subject to high-quality peer review, editorial and production processes and are freely available online.

Welcome to the April, 2013 edition of SciEP newsletter, providing monthly summaries of articles on science & education related topics of interest to scientist and professionals. The mission of our journals is to provide an open access forum for publishing new findings on issues pertinent to scientific and academic field. We also invite you to submit original research papers, review articles, short reports, or case studies are considered for publication in our Multidisciplinary Journals.

American Journal of Public Health Research
DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-1-1-3

The Implementation of a Tele-Homecare System with Service Oriented Architecture and HL7 Message Transmission Standard
Ching-Sung Wang

American Journal of Medical and Biological Research
DOI: 10.12691/ajmbr-1-1-2

The Influence of Ethanol on Pyruvate Kinases Activity in Vivo, in Vitro, in Silico
Lelevich Sergey Vladimirovich, Khrustalev Vladislav Victorovich, Barkovsky Eugene Victorovich, Shedogubova Tatyana Aleksandrovna

American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine
DOI: 10.12691/ajmsm-1-1-1

Clinical and Histological Features in Wegener Granulomatosis
Li Cavoli Gioacchino, Passantino Rita, Bono Luisa, Tortorici Calogera, Ferrantelli Angelo, Giammarresi Carlo, Rotolo Ugo

American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
DOI: 10.12691/ajidm-1-1-2

The Curse of Lymphatic Filariasis: Would the Continual Use of Diethylcarbamazine Eliminate this Scourge in Papua New Guinea?
Anne Lanham, Lillian Mwanri

We have released issues of some journals on February 2013.
American Journal of Public Health Research
American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine
American Journal of Medical and Biological Research
American Journal of Pharmacological Sciences
American Journal of Clinical Medicine Research
American Journal of Nursing Research
American Journal of Cancer Prevention
American Journal of Medicine Studies
American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
American Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research
American Journal of Biomedical Research
American Journal of Mechanical Engineering
American Journal of Microbiological Research
Journal of Preventive Medicine
American Journal of Food and Nutrition
American Journal of Hypertension Research
American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Journal of Cancer Research and Treatment
American Journal of Zoological Research
Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology
American Journal of Microbiological Research
Biomedical Science and Engineering

We are pleased to announce that submissions are now being accepted for peer review for all the journals across all our subject areas in SciEP.

Please submit your manuscript via our online submission system:
http://www.sciepub.com/author/signin

To unsubscribe from our mailing list, please click on the following link: unsubscribe

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

David Rain
Email:join@sciepub.com
Science and Education Publishing (http://www.sciepub.com)

Exceptional Cause of Massive Lymph Node Enlargement: Primary Localized Amyloidosis

Imene Boukhris*, Samira Azzabi, Ines kechaou, Eya Chérif, Chékib Kooli, Nédia Znaidi, Lamia Ben Hassine, Narjess Khalfallah

Internal Medicine Department, University hospital of Charles Nicolle, Tunis, Tunisia

Abstract: Amyloidosis is very rarely the cause of lymph node enlargement. In the localized form of the disease, amyloidosis commonly attains the bladder, the lung and the skin. Lymph node amyloid deposition is very unusual in the localized form of the disease. In particular, cervical and mediastinal sites are uncommon. We report an exceptional case of primary localized AL amyloidosis presenting as generalized lymph node enlargement. Our patient was initially treated by colchicine but in front of disease progression, a treatment with prednisone and melphalan was necessary for stabilization. Clinician should consider primary amyloidosis in the check-list of etiologies causing lymph node enlargement.

Keywords: amyloidosis, lymphadenopathy, Localized

Received June 26, 2015; Revised August 25, 2015; Accepted September 07, 2015

Citation: Imene Boukhris, Samira Azzabi, Ines kechaou, Eya Chérif, Chékib Kooli, Nédia Znaidi, Lamia Ben Hassine, Narjess Khalfallah, Exceptional Cause of Massive Lymph Node Enlargement: Primary Localized Amyloidosis. American Journal of Medical Case Reports, 3 (10). 319-321. January 2015. doi:10.12691/ajmcr-3-10-4

1. Introduction

Cervical and mediastinal massive lymph node enlargement are usually often caused by infection, lymphoma, metastasis cancers and granulomatous diseases, but amyloidosis is very rarely the cause.

Localized amyloidosis resulting in deposit of amyloid on individual organs, is rare [1] and cervical and mediastinal lymph node localizations, are uncommon [2]. AL amyloidosis, due to deposit of immunoglobulin light chains, is more often related to plasma cell dyscrasia [3]. We showcase in this paper an exceptional case of primary localized amyloidosis presenting as generalized lymph node enlargement.

2. Case Report

A 56-year-old Tunisian manwith no pre-existing medical problem has experienced progressive and massive bilateral enlargement of cervical and axillary lymph nodes. He did not show any particular symptoms such as fever and weight loss. He only complained of recent weakness. He was a nonsmoker and did not have a record of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, in family history. Cervical examination revealed bilateral and massive cervical lymph nodes, with submandibular and retro-auricularlymphadenopathies (Figure 1). These nodes were poorly mobile, firm and non painful. Physical examination of the other systems revealed peripheral bilateral axillary and inguinal lymph nodes, with no other abnormalities. Splenomegaly and liver enlargement weren’t noted on abdominal palpation. Dysautonomia and neuropathy were not seen in neurological examination.

Figure 1. Physical examination showing gross adenopathy

Laboratory data showed normal values for leucocytes, hemoglobin, platelet count, creatinine, calcium, liver enzymes and uric acid. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 56 mm/h and C reactive protein was normal. Serum immunoelectrophoresis revealed monoclonal elevation of immunoglobulin (Ig) M/Kappa (1200 mg/dL, normal value: 50 -250mg/dL). Urine electrophoresis showed positive kappa free light chains. A contrast whole-body computerized tomography (CT) scan showed generalized, lymph node enlargement including cervical (Figure 2), mediastinal (Figure 3), axillary, retroperitoneal and inguinal group localizations with sizes of up to 3x3x3 cm.

Figure 2. CT scan with medium contrast, showing inhomogeneous enhancement of the masses

Figure 3. Chest CT showed mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathies enlargement due to infection, neoplasmand granulomatuous diseases were considered. Infectious investigations including sputum for acid-fast stain, quantiferon test, tuberculin skin reaction and bone marrow culture were negatives. Endobroncho-alveolar fluid tested negative for acid-fast bacilli. No caseating granulomas in bone marrow and lymph nodes biopsies were found. Further investigations, including research of infectious diseases such as brucellosis, toxoplasmosis, viral hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19and HIV were all negatives. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level was normal. Bronchoscopy did not show any signs of bronchial lesions. Gastroduodenal endoscopy revealed normal biopsies. Colonoscopy didn’t reveal any abnormalities. Rhinolaryngologic endoscopy was normal. Biopsy and histological study of two distinct cervical lymph nodes, showed amorphous materials that were pink on Congo red staining (Figure 4, Figure 5), with a birefringence under polarized microscopy. Immunohistochemical studies of these samples were found to be negative for amyloid A protein (AA), and positive for amyloid light chains (AL). Examination of bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy revealed no abnormalities; there weren’t lympho-plasma cells proliferation and no tumoral or atypical cells. Cranial, vertebral and limbs x-ray were normal. A diagnostic of primary and localized AL-amyloid lymph nodes, without myeloma, was made. Electrocardiogram and echocardiogram didn’t show any abnormalities. Cardiac troponin I was at normal value. Rectal biopsies were negatives for amyloid deposits.

Figure 4. Hyaline-like amorphous deposits stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE X 200)

Figure 5. Extracellular deposits positive for Congo-Red staining (original X 100)

The patient was treated at first with colchicine. Follow-up examination and computed tomography 6 months later showed growth in size of lymph nodes, being painful. A combination of melphalan and prednisones was administered with stabilization of disease. Evolution one year later didn’t recordnew lymph node enlargement. An easy way to comply with the journal paper formatting requirements is to use this document as a template and simply type your text into it.

3. Discussion

We reported a new case of primary and localized lymph nodes amyloidosis with massive cervical, mediastinal, axillary and abdominal localizations. Amyloidosis can be classified as localized or systemic disease and into primary or secondary amyloidosis [1]. In systemic amyloidosis, lymph node localization is infrequent and very rare. In the localized form of the disease, amyloidosis commonly attains the bladder, the lung and the skin [4]. Lymph node amyloid deposit is very unusual in the localized form of the disease. Cervical and mediastinal lymph node sites, as described in this case, are uncommon. Prior to 2010, studies focusing on cervical lymph nodes amyloidosis, have recorded only nine such cases [5]. In a study analyzing around 80,000 lymph nodes specimens, amyloid deposit was seen in 18 cases; among which there were 3 cervical localizations and one mediastinal location [2].

In this case,localized amyloidosis was retained after searchingand screening for systemic amyloid deposits. Patients with the systemic form of amyloidosis often have renal, cardiac, digestive, liver, neurological or skin problems [4]. For our patient, proteinuria was negative. Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and cardiac troponin were normal. Gastroduodenal endoscopy with biopsies, colonoscopy and rectal biopsies didn’t reveal any abnormalities. Neurological and skin examinations were normal.

As lymph nodes localization in amyloidosis is very rare, other diseases causing massive lymphadenopathy were searched. In this case, tuberculosis and other infectious disease causing lymphadenopathies were eliminated. Sarcoidosis was ruled out. Lymphoma was suspected. However, histological examination of lymph nodes specimens and bone marrow biopsy were normal. For metastasis searching, lymph nodes biopsies didn’t detect suspect cells. ;Whole body CT, digestive, respiratory and rhinolaryngologic endoscopies were normal.

AL amyloidosis is more often related to plasma cell dyscrasia [3]. In this case, primary amyloidosis without myeloma was retained. Examination of bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy didn’t reveal abnormal plasma cells. Cranial and peripheral squeletic x-ray were normal. Serum calcium, creatinine and hemoglobin levels were within normal limits. Serum immunofixation for this patient revealed highmonoclonal IgM/kappa while AL amyloidosis related to monoclonal IgM was extremely rare. It has been reported that IgM-AL amyloidosis can be described as a pathology causing less systemic organ damages [6], as noted for this patient. In this IgM-AL amyloidosis form, more rates of lymph-node involvement and Kappa light chains association were reported [6].

Because AL amyloidosis is due to deposits of immunoglobulin light chains, administration of drugs effective against plasma-cell dyscrasias, is beneficial in AL amyloidosis [7]. Therapy associating melphalan and prednisone is recommended to improve responses and survival in systemic amyloidosis [8,9]. Treatment of localized forms of amyloidosis such as generalized lymph nodes deposits remain unclear. It is still a subject of debate whether patients with localized amyloidosis should be treated with the same chemotherapy protocol. Some authors consider the chirurgical excision in lymph nodes amyloidosis [10]. Our patient was initially treated by colchicine but in front of disease progression, a treatment with prednisone and melphalan was necessary for stabilization.

4. Conclusion

Lymph node amyloidosis is rare, cervical and mediastinal localizations are uncommon. Clinician should consider amyloidosis when discussing etiologies of lymph node enlargement. AL amyloidosis is due to deposits of immunoglobulin light chains. Therefore, administration of drugs effective against plasma-cell dyscrasias, is highly recommended.

Acknowledgement

The authors thank Dr Imed Limam for his contribution to the revision of the English form of this manuscript.

References

[1]   | Westermark P, Benson MD, Buxbaum JN, Cohen AS, Frangione B, Ikeda S, et al. Amyloid: toward terminology clarification. Report from the nomenclature committee of the International Society of Amyloidosis. Amyloid 2005; 12: 1-4.
[2]   | Newland JR, Linke RP, Lennert K. Amyloid deposits in lymph nodes: a morphologic and immunohistochemical study. Hum Pathol 1986; 17: 1245-9.
[3]   | Sipe JD, Benson MD, Buxbaum JN. Amyloid fibril protein nomenclature: 2012 Recommendations from the Nomenclature Committee of the International Society of Amyloidosis. Amyloid 2012;19: 167-70.
[4]   | Kyle RA, Bayrd ED. Amyloidosis: Review of 236 cases. Medicine 1975;54: 271-99.
[5]   | Seccia V, Dallan I, Cervetti G, Lenzi R, Marchetti M, Casani AP, et al. A rare case of primary systemic amyloidosis of the neck with massive cervical lymph node involvement: a case report and review of the literature. Leuk Res 2010; 34:e100-3.
[6]   | Palladini G, Russo P, Bosoni T, Sarais G, Lavatelli F, Foli A, et al. AL amyloidosis associated with IgM monoclonal protein: a distinct clinical entity. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma 2009;9: 80-3.
[7]   | Gertz MA, Lacy MQ, Dispenzieri A, Gastineau DA, Chen MG, Ansell SM, et al. Stem cell transplantation for the management of primary systemic amyloidosis. Am J Med 2002;113: 549-55.
[8]   | Kyle RA, Gertz MA, Greipp PR, Witzig TE, Lust JA, Lacy MQ, et al. A trial of three regimens for primary amyloidosis: colchicine alone, melphalan and prednisone, and melphalan, prednisone, and colchicines. N Engl J Med. 1997 Apr 24; 336: 1202-7.
[9]   | Kumar SK, Gertz MA, Lacy MQ, Dingli D, Hayman SR, Buadi FK, et al. Recent improvements in survival in primary systemic amyloidosis and the importance of an early mortality risk score. Mayo Clin Proc 2011; 86: 12-8.
[10]   | Penner CR, Muller S. Head and neck amyloidosis: a clinicopathologic study of 15 cases. Oral Oncol 2006; 42: 421-9.