Schnitzler syndrome in a patient with a family history of monoclonal gammopathy

Abstract

Schnitzler syndrome is a rare disease characterized by chronic urticaria and a monoclonal gammopathy, most commonly IgM with light chains of the kappa type. There are currently no known risk factors associated with development of the disease. We report a case of Schnitzler syndrome in a 48-year-old man with a family history of monoclonal gammopathies. The patient’s disease has been well controlled with anakinra therapy. Our case may contribute to a better understanding of the etiology of Schnitzler syndrome as his history could suggest a hereditary predisposition for the disease. Further studies are necessary to determine whether a genetic component of Schnitzler syndrome exists, as first-degree relatives of patients with monoclonal gammopathies may be at risk for the development of the disease.