Liver failure caused by light chain deposition disease associated with multiple myeloma

Abstract

Acute liver failure is an unusual complication in multiple myeloma. Here, we report a case of multiple myeloma with light chain deposition disease (LCDD) that presented with progressive jaundice due to intrahepatic cholestasis. Diagnosis was made after liver biopsy that showed deposition of kappa light chains occupying perisinusoidal spaces. The patient developed encephalopathy and liver failure and died despite prompt initiation of dexamethasone therapy. The current prognosis of multiple myeloma patients with liver failure due to LCDD is dismal. New therapeutic strategies might improve this condition. © 2012 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.