Publication date: May 22, 2026
Background/Objectives: AA amyloidosis is a serious complication of chronic inflammation, which may arise in the setting of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) due to recurrent or persistent infections. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most frequent symptomatic IEI in adults, yet its association with secondary AA amyloidosis remains rarely reported. Case presentation: We describe a 37-year-old male with a history of recurrent pneumonia, chronic sinusitis, and osteomyelitis with sepsis since childhood. At age 33, he developed bilateral pneumonia after COVID-19, followed by repeated lower respiratory tract infections. At age 36, nephrotic syndrome (proteinuria 10. 69 g/day, hypoalbuminemia) led to kidney and gastric mucosa biopsies, which confirmed AA amyloidosis. Immunological workup revealed panhypogammaglobulinemia (IgG 0. 1 g/L, IgA 0. 01 g/L, IgM 0. 28 g/L), markedly reduced switched memory B cells, and an inverted CD4/CD8 ratio. Chest CT showed bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Whole-exome sequencing excluded known monogenic IEIs, autoinflammatory, or hereditary amyloidosis genes; a heterozygous likely pathogenic variant in ODAD2 (associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia) was considered incidental. A diagnosis of CVID with secondary AA amyloidosis was established. Conclusions: This case illustrates that CVID may remain undiagnosed for decades and present with secondary AA amyloidosis as the first major complication. In any patient with nephrotic syndrome and a history of recurrent or unusual infections, an IEI should be actively excluded. Early recognition of CVID and appropriate immunoglobulin replacement therapy can prevent infectious exacerbations and potentially halt amyloid progression.
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| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Amyloid | AA amyloidosis |
| Decades | amyloidosis |
| Immunodeficiency | immunodeficiency |
| Pneumonia | |
| Therapy |