DOI: 10.12890/2026_005987

Gamma heavy-chain disease presenting with hypercalcaemia and ascites

Authors

  • Imane El Boutahiri Service d’Hématologie, Centre Hospitalier d’ARRAS, Arras, France
  • Kmar Mrad Service d’Hématologie, Centre Hospitalier d’ARRAS, Arras, France
  • Pauline Lionne Service d’Hématologie, Centre Hospitalier d’ARRAS, Arras, France
  • Louis Terriou Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes et Auto-Inflammatoires Systémiques Rares de l’Adulte du Nord, Univ. Lille, Lille, France

louis.terriou@chu-lille.fr

Keywords

Gamma heavy-chain disease, lymphoproliferative disorder, hypercalcaemia, ascites, rituximab

Abstract

Gamma heavy-chain disease (gHCD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterised by the production of truncated gamma heavy chains that are not associated with light chains. We present the case of a 79-year-old man with a known history of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia who presented with acute confusion, hypercalcaemia and ascites. Workup revealed monoclonal gamma heavy chains in serum without corresponding light chains. Treatment with a combination of rituximab, bortezomib and prednisone resulted in complete remission, sustained over two years. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of gHCD and underscores the importance of individualised management.

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References

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Published

2026-01-09

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026)

Categories

How to Cite

1.
El Boutahiri I, Mrad K, Lionne P, Terriou L. Gamma heavy-chain disease presenting with hypercalcaemia and ascites. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2026 Jan. 9 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];13(2). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/5987