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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Case report

Systemic amyloidosis with bilateral conjunctival involvement: a case report

Authors: Leandro J. Correa, J. Pablo Maccio, Evangelina Esposito, Rodolfo Monti, M. Eugenia Gonzalez-Castellanos, Martin Paradelo, Horacio M. Serra, Julio A. Urrets-Zavalia

Published in: BMC Ophthalmology | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Conjunctival amyloidosis is a very rare condition, generally unilateral, and presents mostly as an isolated condition without systemic compromise. Our purpose is to present a new case of systemic amyloidosis with a bilateral conjunctival involvement.

Case Presentation

A 66-years-old caucasian female complaining of conjunctival hemorrhage and chemosis in both eyes for the last five years had been discontinuously treated with topical antibiotics and corticosteroids without any evident improvement. She presented with a pink-yellow infiltration in the inferior conjunctiva of both eyes. Conjunctival biopsy under optical microscopy revealed amyloid deposit, confirmed by Congo red staining. Mucosal biopsy from esophagus and rectus confirmed amyloidosis by Congo red stain. Immunohistochemistry of bone marrow biopsy showed an increased number of plasma cells and an over-expression of light chain kappa subunit. She was treated with corticosteroids and lubrication with an improvement of symptoms. Ocular lesions remained stable after a follow-up of 3 years.

Conclusions

Conjunctival amyloidosis is a rare entity that may be overlooked, and should be differentiated from chronic conjunctivitis and conjunctival malignancies. Although it presents most frequently as a local process, a systemic involvement should always be ruled out.

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Title: Systemic amyloidosis with bilateral conjunctival involvement: a case report
Authors: Leandro J. Correa
J. Pablo Maccio
Evangelina Esposito
Rodolfo Monti
M. Eugenia Gonzalez-Castellanos
Martin Paradelo
Horacio M. Serra
Julio A. Urrets-Zavalia
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Ophthalmology / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2415
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12886-015-0075-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Systemic amyloidosis with bilateral conjunctival involvement: a case report

Abstract

Background

Case Presentation

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case Presentation

Conclusions

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