Monoclonal gammopathies are frequently encountered in clinical practice, and most have so-called undetermined significance. Current diagnostic criteria for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), previously known as benign monoclonal gammopathy, include presence of a monoclonal immunoglobulin in serum of 30 g/L or less, 10% or less of plasma cells in bone marrow, and absence of clinical manifestations related to the M protein, such as anemia, hypercalcemia, lytic bone lesions, and renal insufficiency. 1,2 MGUS is found in 3% of persons older than 50 years, in 5% of persons older than 70 years, and in up to 7% of patients seeking medical evaluation. The importance of MGUS lies in its well-known potential to progress to multiple myeloma or a related plasma cell disorder at an average rate of 1% per year. However, even small and nonprogressive B-cell clones can have profound consequences that may be less familiar to clinicians. We present illustrative cases of probable immune-mediated disorders strongly associated with MGUS. These nonmalignant disorders are rare, and with such disorders patients may present to a variety of medical specialists. Presence of the M protein may be a valuable clue to the diagnosis. This case series is intended to increase awareness of these disorders and their association with M proteins.
RepoRt of Cases and disCussionCase 1: Acquired C1 Inhibitor Deficiency. A 60-year-old woman was referred for investigation of recurrent abdominal pain of 1 year's duration. Seven months before presentation, urgent laparoscopy performed elsewhere was unremarkable other than revealing the presence of ascites. Two weeks before referral, another laparo scopic procedure was performed during a bout of intense abdominal pain. Again, ascites was evident. Acute abdominal pain recurred, and the patient was transferred to our hospital. MGUS, IgG κ monoclonal protein, had been diagnosed 9 years previously; family history was noncontributory. The patient's abdomen was diffusely tender without rebound tenderness or guarding. Results of all routine laboratory tests, including C-reactive protein levels, were normal. Complement assays showed low levels of CH50, C1q, and C4, whereas C3 levels were normal. C1 inhibitor levels were low, both quantitatively (0.12 g/L; reference range, 0.21-0.39 g/L) and functionally (<26%; reference range, 70%-130%).Acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency was diagnosed. During a subsequent attack of abdominal pain, computed tomography confirmed bowel wall edema. At last follow-up, 14 years after the diagnosis, the patient was doing well. With administration of 200 mg of danazol, up to 4 times a day, the C1 inhibitor level and function normalized. Attacks became less frequent and less severe and could be managed with addition of tranexamic acid. The monoclonal gammopathy was not progressive.Discussion. C1 inhibitor is an inhibitor of the first component of the classic complement pathway and of the kinin-generating pathways. When the C1 inhibitor level is deficient, uncontrolled c...