Gamma heavy chain disease in a patient with underlying lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma of the thyroid. Report of a case and comparison with other reported cases with thyroid involvement
Tan, J.N.M.; Kroll, M.H.; O'Hara, C.J.; Everett, P.C.; Erdogan, E.
Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry 413(19-20): 1696-1699
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-8981 PMID: 22561184 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2012.04.020
Accession: 053348260
Gamma heavy chain disease with underlying thyroid pathology is rare. There are 5 reported cases in the English literature, including the present case of an elderly female with γ heavy chain disease with underlying lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma of the thyroid who initially presented with long-standing goiter and chronic thyroiditis. The protein studies and histopathologic findings in her thyroid are described. Her case is compared with reported cases of γ heavy chain disease with thyroid involvement. Initial impression on most cases was chronic thyroiditis; however pathology showed 3 cases with plasmacytoma and 2 with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. All were diagnosed and followed up using serum and urine electrophoresis. Gamma heavy chain disease has a protean manifestation; however there appears to be a more uniform pattern of the disease when it is associated with the thyroid. The inclusion of protein studies in cases diagnosed with chronic thyroiditis by FNA may aid in establishing γ heavy chain disease with underlying thyroid involvement. In this case serum and urine electrophoresis, and immunofixation studies which are simple and affordable tests facilitated the hematologic workup and follow up.