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Corneal crystalline deposits in multiple myeloma. A case report
Acta Ophthalmologica
|June 1, 1983
Summary
This study reports a rare case of crystalline deposits in the eyes of a rheumatoid arthritis patient, identified as paraprotein aggregates. Treatment led to a reduction in deposits and improved vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Hematology
Background:
- A 70-year-old male patient with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis presented with unusual ocular findings.
- Monoclonal gammopathy, characterized by elevated IgG and K-light chains, was detected in serum and urine.
Observation:
- Peculiar lamellar crystalline deposits were observed primarily at the Descemet/endothelial level in both eyes.
- Conjunctival biopsy revealed crystalline deposits within the endoplasmic reticulum of plasma cells in the connective tissue.
Findings:
- The crystalline material is presumed to be protein in nature, likely representing paraprotein aggregates.
- These conjunctival deposits are considered identical to the corneal deposits seen on slit-lamp examination.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a link between monoclonal gammopathy and ocular crystalline deposits in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Systemic treatment with melphalan and prednisone resulted in decreased corneal deposits and improved visual acuity, indicating potential therapeutic efficacy.