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Updated: Aug 6, 2025
Comparative Lesions Analysis Through a Targeted Sequencing Approach
Published on: November 5, 2019
Differences between κ and λ light chain amyloidosis analyzed by a pathologic scoring system
Huijuan Wu1, Vincenzo L'Imperio2, Mattia Rossi3
1Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Objectives:
Amyloid light chain (AL)-κ and AL-λ share common histopathologic changes; however, the potential difference in clinical manifestations, histologic findings, and clinical significance between the 2 subtypes remain unclear.
Methods:
In a retrospective study, 94 kidney biopsies for AL amyloidosis were evaluated using the composite scarring injury score (CSIS) and amyloid score (AS). Results were then compared between AL-κ and AL-λ.
Results:
Comparing AS and CSIS between AL-κ and AL-λ, the AS was significantly higher in AL-κ than in AL-λ, with 2 components of AS (capillary wall and vascular amyloid) scoring higher in AL-κ than in AL-λ, while mesangial and interstitial ASs were similar in the 2 cohorts. In addition, the proportion of periodic acid-Schiff strong-staining amyloid in AL-κ was markedly higher than in AL-λ. There was no significant difference in CSIS and its components between the 2 subtypes of AL amyloidosis.
Conclusions:
Overall, AL-κ presents with higher serum creatinine and a higher AS score than AL-λ at biopsy, which may indicate a worse prognosis and be an important reference for clinical management.
