Immunoglobulin A multiple myeloma presenting with Henoch-Schönlein purpura associated with reduced sialylation of IgA1

Br J Haematol. 2003 Sep;122(6):915-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04539.x.

Abstract

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is characterized by immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) depositions in blood vessels of the skin or in glomeruli, resulting from altered hinge region O-glycosylation. Henoch-Schönlein purpura is seldom reported as a complication of IgA1 myeloma, even when the circulating IgA concentration is very high. We report two patients with IgA1 myeloma presenting with Henoch-Schönlein purpura. The O-glycosylation of these patients' IgA1 was studied. Both patients showed increased binding to peanut agglutinin lectin, suggesting a low degree of sialylation of the hinge region of IgA1 that was confirmed by mass spectrometry. IgA multiple myeloma, secreting IgA1 molecules with decreased sialylation, presenting with a Henoch-Schönlein purpura-like syndrome was diagnosed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Glycosylation
  • Humans
  • IgA Vasculitis / blood
  • IgA Vasculitis / etiology*
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / blood
  • Multiple Myeloma / complications*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin A