Nodular pulmonary amyloidosis and Sjögren's syndrome in a patient treated with intermittent hemodialysis

Abstract

In the available literature, we have found the descriptions of 5 cases of nodular pulmonary amyloidosis associated with Sjögren's syndrome. In our practice, such a case has occurred in a patient with chronic renal failure. A 53-year-old woman underwent nephrological, rheumatological, and pulmonological examinations because of end-stage renal disease with a small cirrhotic kidney in renal ultrasound examination, pulmonary nodules, and xerophthalmia. Serological data revealed a slightly positive rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies, anti-SS-A, anti-SS-B, and anti-RNP/Sm antibodies. Schirmer's test was positive on both sides and Sjögren's syndrome was recognized. Pulmonological examinations (the chest radiograph and CT scan, bronchofiberoscopy, culture of bronchial washings, bronchial biopsy, pleural effusion analysis, and a thick-needle biopsy) failed to determine the etiology of nodular changes in lungs. Immunofluorescence studies in the skin biopsy specimen showed IgM-positive staining. After 2 years of treatment with IHD, a toracoscopy was performed with enucleation of the nodules from the right lung. Histological examination showed massive deposits of amyloid, which allowed for a diagnosis of diffusive nodular pulmonary amyloidosis.