Atypical plasma cells in alpha-chain disease

Pathologic features of the jejunal mucosa of a patient with alpha-chain disease in its early transition to malignant stage, are described. Ultrastructural alterations were seen in some plasma cell, close similar to those described in myeloma plasma cells. Ultrastructural studies of biopsy specimens in alpha-chain disease, may permit recognition of its early transition to malignant stage and thereby encourage earlier use of cytotoxic drugs.