Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) is a condition in which clumps of abnormal proteins called amyloids build up in the skin, specifically in the wave-like projections (dermal papillae) between the top two layers of skin (the dermis and the epidermis). The primary feature of PLCA is patches of skin with abnormal texture or color. The appearance of these patches defines three forms of the condition: lichen amyloidosis, macular amyloidosis, and nodular amyloidosis.

Lichen amyloidosis is characterized by severely itchy patches of thickened skin with multiple small bumps. The patches are scaly and reddish brown in color. These patches usually occur on the shins but can also occur on the forearms, other parts of the legs, and elsewhere on the body.

In macular amyloidosis, the patches are flat and dark brown. The coloring can have a lacy (reticulated) or rippled appearance, although it is often uniform. Macular amyloidosis patches are most commonly found on the upper back, but they can also occur on other parts of the torso or on the limbs. These patches are mildly itchy.

Nodular amyloidosis is characterized by firm, raised bumps (nodules) that are pink, red, or brown. These nodules often occur on the face, torso, limbs, or genitals and are typically not itchy.

In some affected individuals, the patches have characteristics of both lichen and macular amyloidosis. These cases are called biphasic amyloidosis.

In all forms of PLCA, the abnormal patches of skin usually arise in mid-adulthood. They can remain for months to years and may recur after disappearing, either at the same location or elsewhere. Very rarely, nodular amyloidosis progresses to a life-threatening condition called systemic amyloidosis, in which amyloid deposits accumulate in tissues and organs throughout the body.

PLCA occurs worldwide, most commonly in Southeast Asia and South America. The prevalence of the condition is unknown.

PLCA can be caused by mutations in the OSMR or IL31RA gene. When caused by an OSMR gene mutation, the condition is classified as type 1, while an IL31RA gene mutation causes type 2. Mutations in either gene are likely involved in lichen and macular amyloidosis, which are thought to be related conditions that arise through similar disease mechanisms. The genetic basis of nodular amyloidosis is unknown.

The OSMR and IL31RA genes provide instructions for making parts (subunits) of the interleukin-31 (IL-31) receptor. The subunit produced from OSMR can also pair with a different protein to form the OSM receptor type II. Both receptors are embedded in the membrane of cells throughout the body. Each attaches to a particular protein, fitting together like a lock and its key. This attachment triggers a series of chemical signals inside the cell that directs certain cell functions.

OSM receptor type II interacts with a protein called oncostatin M (OSM). Signaling triggered by OSM appears to play a role in many body processes, including the development of blood cells, the maturation of cells to become certain cell types, an immune system response called inflammation, and the self-destruction (apoptosis) of cells. The IL-31 receptor interacts with IL-31, triggering signaling that promotes inflammation and itch (pruritus). OSMR gene mutations reduce signaling stimulated by OSM and IL-31, while IL31RA gene mutations impair only IL-31 signaling.

How PLCA develops is not completely understood. In lichen and macular amyloidosis, it is thought that scratching the itchy skin causes skin cells to undergo apoptosis, releasing proteins that abnormally clump together and form amyloids. The proteins that make up the amyloids are abnormal versions of proteins called keratins. The role of gene mutations in this process is still being determined. Because signaling triggered by IL-31 normally stimulates itching, it is unclear how a reduction of this signaling is involved in itchy skin. Also unclear is how reduced IL-31 signaling is related to apoptosis or amyloid formation. Researchers speculate that a reduction of signaling triggered by OSM may make cells more likely to undergo apoptosis, which may promote amyloid buildup.

In nodular amyloidosis, the amyloids are composed of abnormal versions of proteins called immunoglobulin light chains released from certain blood cells called plasma cells. However, it is unknown how this form of PLCA develops.

Many people with PLCA do not have a mutation in the OSMR or IL31RA gene. The cause of the condition in these cases is unknown.

Genetic Testing Information

• Genetic Testing Registry: Amyloidosis, primary localized cutaneous, 2
• Genetic Testing Registry: Amyloidosis, primary localized cutaneous, 1

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

• Primary cutaneous amyloidosis

Patient Support and Advocacy Resources

• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

• AMYLOIDOSIS, PRIMARY LOCALIZED CUTANEOUS, 1; PLCA1
• AMYLOIDOSIS, PRIMARY LOCALIZED CUTANEOUS, 2; PLCA2

Scientific Articles on PubMed

• PubMed

• Arita K, South AP, Hans-Filho G, Sakuma TH, Lai-Cheong J, Clements S, Odashiro M, Odashiro DN, Hans-Neto G, Hans NR, Holder MV, Bhogal BS, Hartshorne ST, Akiyama M, Shimizu H, McGrath JA. Oncostatin M receptor-beta mutations underlie familial primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Am J Hum Genet. 2008 Jan;82(1):73-80. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2007.09.002. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
• Chang YT, Lin CH, Lee CT, Lin MW, Liu LY, Chen CC, Lee DD, Liu HN, Tsai SF, Matsuura I. Detection of common mutations in sporadic primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis by DNA mass spectrometry. Br J Dermatol. 2014 Apr;170(4):974-6. doi: 10.1111/bjd.12733. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
• Chang YT, Wong CK, Chow KC, Tsai CH. Apoptosis in primary cutaneous amyloidosis. Br J Dermatol. 1999 Feb;140(2):210-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1999.02651.x. Citation on PubMed
• Hermanns HM. Oncostatin M and interleukin-31: Cytokines, receptors, signal transduction and physiology. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2015 Oct;26(5):545-58. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.07.006. Epub 2015 Jul 3. Citation on PubMed
• Kaltoft B, Schmidt G, Lauritzen AF, Gimsing P. Primary localised cutaneous amyloidosis--a systematic review. Dan Med J. 2013 Nov;60(11):A4727. Citation on PubMed
• Lin MW, Lee DD, Liu TT, Lin YF, Chen SY, Huang CC, Weng HY, Liu YF, Tanaka A, Arita K, Lai-Cheong J, Palisson F, Chang YT, Wong CK, Matsuura I, McGrath JA, Tsai SF. Novel IL31RA gene mutation and ancestral OSMR mutant allele in familial primary cutaneous amyloidosis. Eur J Hum Genet. 2010 Jan;18(1):26-32. doi: 10.1038/ejhg.2009.135. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
• Tanaka A, Arita K, Lai-Cheong JE, Palisson F, Hide M, McGrath JA. New insight into mechanisms of pruritus from molecular studies on familial primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Br J Dermatol. 2009 Dec;161(6):1217-24. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09311.x. Epub 2009 May 26. Citation on PubMed
• Vijaya B, Dalal BS; Sunila; Manjunath GV. Primary cutaneous amyloidosis: a clinico-pathological study with emphasis on polarized microscopy. Indian J Pathol Microbiol. 2012 Apr-Jun;55(2):170-4. doi: 10.4103/0377-4929.97853. Citation on PubMed
• Wali A, Liu L, Takeichi T, Jelani M, Rahman OU, Heng YK, Thng S, Lee J, Akiyama M, McGrath JA, Betz RC. Familial primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis results from either dominant or recessive mutations in OSMR. Acta Derm Venereol. 2015 Nov;95(8):1005-7. doi: 10.2340/00015555-2104. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed