Ultrastructural demonstration of a relationship between acquired cutis laxa and monoclonal gammopathy.

Journal: Acta Dermato-Venereologica
Published:
Abstract

Acquired cutis laxa is an uncommon disorder sometimes associated with monoclonal gammopathy and multiple myeloma, although the mechanism of this link is unclear. We report here a case of a 34-year-old man with generalized acquired cutis laxa and monoclonal light chain disease with renal and neurological involvement. Electron microscopy examination of a skin sample revealed shortened and fragmented elastic fibres in the reticular dermis and normal collagen bundles. Immunogold labelling revealed anti-lambda antibodies closely bound to the microfibrillar component of elastic fibres, thus supporting a causal relationship between monoclonal gammopathy and the changes in skin elasticity.

Authors
Annabel Maruani, Brigitte Arbeille, Marie-christine Machet, Christelle Barbet, Boris Laure, Ludovic Martin, Laurent Machet
Relevant Conditions

Cutis Laxa