Toxic megacolon: a life-threatening complication of high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation among patients with AL amyloidosis

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2002 Sep;30(5):279-85. doi: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1703627.

Abstract

AL amyloidosis is a plasma cell disorder in which tissue deposition of immunoglobulin light chains leads to organ dysfunction. Recent reports of high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation for amyloidosis suggest higher response rates and extended survival compared to those seen with conventional chemotherapy. However, substantial treatment-related toxicity has been observed. This case series describes our institutional experience with autologous transplantation in four patients with amyloidosis with an emphasis on unique gastrointestinal toxicities, including toxic megacolon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amyloidosis / complications*
  • Amyloidosis / pathology
  • Amyloidosis / therapy
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains
  • Male
  • Megacolon, Toxic / etiology*
  • Megacolon, Toxic / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / complications
  • Transplantation Conditioning / adverse effects
  • Transplantation, Autologous / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains