Abstract: TH-PO1111
Parallel Pathology: AL Amyloidosis and C3 Deposition on Kidney Biopsy
Session Information
- Pathology and Lab Medicine
October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Pathology and Lab Medicine
- 1700 Pathology and Lab Medicine
Author
- Chilton, Merideth Brooke, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Introduction
AL amyloidosis is a common monoclonal gammopathy caused by light chain and/or heavy chain deposition in the kidney. Electron microscopy of kindey biopsy typically demonstrates straight, solid, nonbranching, randomly arranged fibrils measuring 8 to 12 nm.
C3 glomerulonephritis or dense deposit disease are sometimes are identified to also have a monoclonal gammopathy at the time of diagnosis.
Case Description
An 81 year old female with past medical history of lupus and secondary Sjogren’s presented with new proteinuria with concern for lupus nephritis. Urinalysis had been routinely monitored and had been negative until the month of consultation where she was found to have a UPCR of 1.47 g/g without hematuria. Given her prior history of SLE, the patient was referred for kidney biopsy while her serologic workup was pending. Her kidney biopsy showed findings consistent with amyloidosis with lambda light chain staining. There were also a few mesangial deposits staining predominantly with C3 seen. The patient was urgently referred to hematology and is currently undergoing workup for monoclonal gammopathy.
Discussion
C3 deposition has been known to be associated with monoclonal gammopathies, however it is rare to see both C3 deposition and findings of AL-amyloidosis concurrently.