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Vertebra collapse due to primary amyloidosis causing neurological compromise

Hiroyuki Yoshihara1, Kenya Nojiri, Mariko Yabe

  • 1NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, USA. hiroyoshihara55@yahoo.co.jp

BMJ Case Reports
|June 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Primary amyloidosis (AL) can cause vertebral collapse due to amyloid deposition, a rare but serious complication. This case highlights the importance of considering AL amyloidosis in patients with pathological vertebral fractures.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Hematology
  • Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

  • Primary amyloidosis (AL) involves amyloid light chain deposition in organs, but vertebral involvement is uncommon.
  • Multiple myeloma, a related systemic amyloid disease, often presents with vertebral involvement, differing pathologically from AL amyloidosis.
  • Pathological vertebral fractures can lead to neurological compromise.

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