Direct infiltration of clonal plasma cells causes renal insufficiency in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

ABSTRACT

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a benign but precancerous condition that can progress to multiple myeloma. Patients with MGUS are typically monitored closely for signs of disease progression, but in some cases, they may also develop renal insufficiency, a condition known as monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS). In MGRS, M-protein secreted by a nonmalignant or premalignant cell clone triggers renal damage by definition. Herein, we report a case of a 66-year-old Asian male with MGUS complicated by renal insufficiency. A kidney biopsy showed no evidence of renal injury mediated by M-protein; instead, the direct infiltration of clonal cells into renal tissues was observed. Although five similar cases have been previously reported, our case is unique in that the involvement of clonal cells was directly confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Our findings suggest the need to consider a novel disease concept, as this phenomenon appears to be reproduced.