Resident presents case study at pathology conference
The case study presented by Marianne Yassa, M.D., highlighted a rare kidney disease caused by abnormal proteins in the blood that can seriously damage the kidneys, even when there is no obvious blood cancer.
Marianne Yassa, M.D., a first-year pathology resident at USA Health, presented a case study recently at the Society of Ultrastructural Pathology 2026 UltraPath XXII Conference in Mobile.
Yassa’s presentation was titled “IgA Kappa-Associated Non-Crystallizing Light Chain Proximal Tubulopathy in the Monoclonal Gammopathy of Renal Significance (MGRS) Spectrum: A Rare Presentation with Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications.”
The case highlighted a rare kidney disease caused by abnormal proteins in the blood that can seriously damage the kidneys, even when there is no obvious blood cancer. “The diagnosis was challenging and required a comprehensive workup including evaluation at the ultrastructure level, which proved essential to identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment,” Yassa said.
The case emphasized the importance of recognizing rare but treatable causes of kidney disease early. “Increased awareness of this entity may lead to earlier intervention, preservation of kidney function, and improved long-term outcomes for affected patients,” Yassa said.
The presentation was recognized for its scientific excellence at the conference.
Co-authors include Emad Al Jaber, M.D., a nephrologist at USA Health, Aariez Khalid, M.D., an internal medicine resident, and Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D., retired professor and chair of pathology at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine.
