Heavy chain deposition disease: an overview

Clin Exp Nephrol. 2013 Dec;17(6):771-8. doi: 10.1007/s10157-013-0812-x. Epub 2013 May 8.

Abstract

Heavy chain deposition disease (HCDD) is one of three entities of monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease, characterized histopathologically by the presence of nodular glomerulosclerosis and glomerular and tubular deposition of monoclonal heavy chains without associated light chains. Although HCDD is an extremely rare disease, >30 cases have been reported to date in the literature. Of these cases, only three cases have been reported in Japan. The majority of the patients presents with nephrotic syndrome, hematuria, and hypertension, and develop progressive renal failure with or without the complication of multiple myeloma. Some cases have been treated successfully using chemotherapy. Because of its rarity, a thorough understanding of HCDD is essential for both accurate diagnosis and adequate subsequent treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Heavy Chain Disease / diagnosis*
  • Heavy Chain Disease / etiology
  • Heavy Chain Disease / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains* / chemistry
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / complications

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains