Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Whole-Kidney Three-Dimensional Staining with CUBIC
Published on: July 18, 2022
Primary amyloidosis of the kidney
Shahzad Shafique1, James Wetmore, Ammar Almehmi
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
Abstract:
Primary (AL) amyloidosis is a lethal form of plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain deposition causing organ dysfunction. The median age for AL amyloidosis incidence is 64 years, with less than 1% occurring under age 40. The kidney is frequently involved in AL amyloidosis; nephrotic syndrome and/or end stage renal disease (ESRD) occur at presentation in about two-thirds of the patients. High-dose melphalan with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is an effective treatment for systemic primary amyloidosis. This procedure is, however, associated with substantial toxicity and mortality, particularly if the heart is involved. Here we report a case of primary AL amyloidosis in a 40 year old male who presented with a single-organ involvement (e.g.: kidney) that progressed rapidly to ESRD. Melphalan and ASCT resulted in a complete hematological recovery. This case highlights the possibility that single organ involvement and young age may be associated with better prognosis and improved survival.
Related Concept Videos
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrons
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
