ABSTRACT
Amyloidosis is a group of disorders characterized by the extracellular deposition of amorphous, misfolded proteins. Primary localized bladder amyloidosis is a rare form of the disease that usually presents with macroscopic hematuria, irritative lower urinary tract symptoms, or a bladder mass on imaging. Presented herein is a case of a 76-year-old female who presented with sepsis, distal ureteric calculus, and chronic ureteric obstruction without the classical symptoms of bladder amyloidosis. Cystoscopic resection of thickened bladder wall was positive for amyloid deposition with no signs of malignancy.
Introduction
Amyloidosis is a benign group of disorders, characterized by extracellular deposition of amorphous, misfolded proteins, known as amyloid fibrils that may have localized or systemic manifestations (1-3). Primary localized bladder amyloidosis (PLBA) is a rare form of the disease, with only a few hundred cases reported in the literature (4). PLBA most commonly presents with painless, macroscopic hematuria, or irritative lower urinary tract symptoms and may mimic bladder carcinoma radiologically and cystoscopically (2,4,5). Radiological findings are generally indeterminate, demonstrating bladder thickening or a discrete mass (2,6). The cystoscopic appearance includes ulcerated lesions, yellow plaques, or irregular thickening, which may suggest malignancy or cystitis (2,5,6). Therefore, PLBA diagnosis relies on histopathological analysis. Congo red stains deposit a salmon pink color, which shows apple-green birefringence on visualization under polarized light (2,5).
Case Report
Presented herein is a case of a 76-year-old female who presented with a 1-week history of generalized abdominal pain and distension. Her past medical history was significant for hypertension and the use of Chinese and herbal medicines. She was a non-smoker. The initial assessment noted rapid atrial fibrillation with a creatinine of 209 umol/L (45-90), leukocyte count of 17.4×109 (4-10), and a C-reactive protein of 516 mg/L (<5). A non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a grossly dilated left renal collecting system and ureter (Figure 1). Total cortical loss of the left kidney and a calcific density that measures 6×10 mm was noted in the region of the distal left ureter. The bladder wall was thickened. A left-sided percutaneous nephrostomy was inserted and purulent fluid was drained. Recovery was complicated by post-procedural Escherichia coli sepsis with rapid atrial fibrillation and hypotension, requiring admission to the intensive care unit for vasopressor support. Her inflammatory markers gradually normalized and creatinine decreased to 96 umol/L. She was discharged after a short period of rehabilitation with the nephrostomy tube in situ.
A cystoscopy was performed approximately 3 weeks after discharge; the bladder mucosa was abnormal, thickened, and erythematous, suggesting possible high-grade malignancy; however, no papillary lesions or discrete masses were found. The ureteric orifice was not visible before resection. Histopathological analysis of resected mucosa demonstrated extensive, amorphous, and extracellular material, which was positively stained with crystal violet and congo red. On the latter stain, characteristic apple-green birefringence was detected with polarized light, consistent with amyloid deposition (Figure 2). No evidence of dysplasia or malignancy was found. A repeat cystoscopy was successfully performed following the biopsy results and laser lithotripsy of the left distal ureteric calculus. A retrograde ureteric stent was inserted, and then the nephrostomy tube was clamped and subsequently removed. A few months after the removal of the left ureteric stent, the patient was re-referred with worsening renal function. The repeat CT imaging demonstrated bilateral hydronephrosis without ureteric calculi or other causes of obstruction. A cystoscopy demonstrated a similar appearance. A left-sided ureteric stent was inserted; however, despite resection, the right ureteric orifice was not visible. A right-sided percutaneous nephrostomy was then inserted and subsequently removed following the antegrade stent placement. The patient will undergo monitoring and follow-up for ongoing cystoscopic surveillance and ureteric stent exchanges.
Discussion
The present case is unusual and interesting for several reasons. The patient did not present with the classical symptoms of lower urinary tract symptoms or macroscopic hematuria. She had no signs or symptoms suggestive of systemic amyloidosis. Our patient presented with sepsis due to obstructive uropathy. The PLBA possibly obstructed the left ureteric orifice gradually with subsequent development of hydronephrosis, renal cortical atrophy, and infection.
PLBA has an unknown etiology, but chronic inflammation is suggested to be responsible (2). The mechanism is thought to involve infiltration of the lymphoplasmacytic cells and secretion of abnormal light chain immunoglobulin, which lead to deposition of amyloid fibrils in the bladder mucosa (2,3). An underlying plasma cell neoplasm should be excluded. One possible mechanism of chronic inflammation is the development of a ureteric calculus with subsequent obstructive nephropathy, infection, and development of PLBA. However, this is considered less likely in our case due to the absence of previous renal colic and subsequent development of similar right ureteric obstruction without ureteric calculus.
The main treatment of PLBA is transurethral resection; however, cystectomy or medical therapy have also been used (3,5,7). Given that recurrence rates are as high as 50%, annual cystoscopic surveillance is recommended (3,7).
In conclusion, this is a very unusual case of PLBA, presenting with infection and chronic ureteric obstruction without lower urinary tract symptoms or macroscopic hematuria. PLBA often mimics bladder cancer but has a benign clinical course. Resection with cystoscopic surveillance is the current recommended management.