Cutaneous and lingual papules as a sign of beta 2 microglobulin-derived amyloidosis in a long-term hemodialysis patient.

Although hemodialysis has permitted long-term survival of patients with renal failure, beta 2 microglobulin-derived amyloidosis is a serious complication occurring most commonly in long-term hemodialysis patients. Orthopedic manifestations are quite common, but cutaneous and lingual manifestations are relatively uncommon. We report a 56-year-old patient with lichenoid plaque type of skin eruptions and lingual papules caused by beta 2 microglobulin-derived amyloidosis. Immunohistochemical study showed that amyloid deposits were positive for anti-beta 2 microglobulin antibody, but negative for anti-advanced glycation end products antibody (anti-CML and CLE antibody). We discuss the histological and the clinical features of skin manifestations of beta 2 microglobulin-derived amyloidosis.