Schnitzler syndrome is a very rare acquired systemic disease with many similarities to hereditary autoinflammatory syndromes. The main characteristics are generalized exanthema and a monoclonal gammopathy with IgM. Other clinical features include fever, muscle, bone and/or joint pain, and lymphadenopathy. About 15-20% of patients with Schnitzler syndrome develop lymphoproliferative diseases and, in rare cases, amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis can occur if the disease is not treated. Activation of the innate immune system, especially interleukin(IL)-1β, is central in the pathogenesis of the disease. Consequently, complete control of disease symptoms can be achieved in 80% of patients by treatment with the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra.
Keywords: Anakinra; Hereditary autoinflammatory syndrome; Interleukin-1; Systemic disease; Urticarial rash.