[Dermatological manifestations of monoclonal gammopathies]

Rodrigo Meza-Romero1, Romina Andino1, Patricio Rojas2

  • 1Departamento de Dermatología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.

Revista Medica De Chile
|November 9, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Monoclonal gammopathies of uncertain significance (MGUS) are pre-malignant conditions linked to skin issues. Dermatologists play a key role in identifying these hematological disorders through skin manifestations.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Dermatology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Monoclonal gammopathies of uncertain significance (MGUS) are pre-malignant hematological disorders.
  • MGUS involves monoclonal protein production and <10% bone marrow plasma cell infiltration.
  • MGUS carries risks of malignant progression and associations with renal, neurological, and skin conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on the relationship between monoclonal gammopathies (MGs) and skin diseases.
  • To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms linking MGs and specific skin manifestations.
  • To propose a screening algorithm for MGs in patients with particular dermatological conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Exhaustive literature review on MGUS and associated skin diseases.
  • Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms supporting causal relationships.
  • Development of a diagnostic screening algorithm for MGs based on dermatological findings.

Main Results:

  • Established causal links between MGs and skin diseases like cryoglobulinemia, amyloidosis, and xanthogranuloma.
  • Identified a subset of skin diseases with unclear pathogenesis linked to MGs.
  • Highlighted the critical role of dermatologists in early detection and multidisciplinary management.

Conclusions:

  • Dermatologists are essential in suspecting hematological disorders based on skin signs.
  • A multidisciplinary approach is vital for managing patients with MGUS and skin manifestations.
  • The proposed screening algorithm aims to improve early diagnosis of MGs in at-risk patients.

Related Concept Videos

Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
4.4K
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
149
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
4.9K
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
2.6K
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of...
94
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
46