Corneal confocal microscopy to detect early immune-mediated small nerve fibre loss in AL amyloidosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a life-threatening disorder characterised by extracellular deposition of amyloid leading to dysfunction of multiple organs. Peripheral nerve involvement, particularly small fibre neuropathy, may be associated with poorer survival. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid and non-invasive imaging technique to quantify corneal small nerve fibres and immune cells in vivo. We aimed to evaluate CCM as a tool for early diagnosis of peripheral nerve involvement in AL amyloidosis.

Methods

CCM and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were undertaken in 21 newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve AL amyloidosis patients and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density and fibre length, and ce

SUBMITTER: Thimm A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9186132 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature