Characteristics of orbital multiple myeloma: a case report and literature review

Orbital Myeloma and Plasmacytoma: An Australian Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to provide Australian data on the clinical and radiological features and outcomes in patients with orbital plasmacytomas.

METHODS

Multicentre retrospective review of orbital plasmacytoma and orbital involvement in multiple myeloma (MM) from 2005 to 2022 in Australia.

RESULTS

Twenty-one participants were identified. The median age was 62 years (range 34-88 years), and 11 (52%) were females. Eighteen (84%) had a known diagnosis of MM prior to their orbital presentation, with all patients eventually being diagnosed with systemic MM. Thirteen (72%) were receiving active treatment for systemic myeloma on presentation, while 3 (17%) were in remission. All but 1 had unilateral orbital involvement (n = 20, 95%). Common presenting symptoms and signs were decreased visual acuity (n = 13, 62%), proptosis (n = 11, 52%), limited motility (n = 15, 71%), and optic neuropathy (n = 5, 24%). Radiologically, 15 (71%) involved the superotemporal orbit, 7 (33%) inferotemporal orbit, and 16 (76%) involved ≥1 extraocular muscle. Sixteen (76%) were biopsied and confirmed orbital plasmacytoma on histopathology. Treatment modalities included intravenous and oral steroids (n = 7, 33%), chemotherapy (n = 9, 43%), radiotherapy (n = 13, 62%), stem cell transplant (n = 3, 14%), and surgical debulking and decompression (n = 3, 14%). Mortality was high, with 15 (71%) having MM-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest cohort of Australian data on orbital plasmacytomas. Most patients have a diagnosis of systemic MM at presentation. It is crucial to recognize and treat these patients early due to a poor systemic prognosis.

Successful Treatment of Refractory Orbital Plasmacytoma with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Orbital plasmacytoma is a rare plasma cell tumor that may arise as an aggressive form of extramedullary multiple myeloma. Treatment modalities include surgical excision, radiation, and chemotherapy. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy is currently reserved for refractory disease. The authors present a case of a 69-year-old woman with an extensive orbital plasmacytoma refractory to multimodal therapy who was treated with idecabtagene vicleucel chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy. Four days after infusion, the patient exhibited grade 1 cytokine release syndrome, which resolved with tocilizumab. The orbital plasmacytoma significantly decreased in size 1 month after treatment and demonstrated complete serological response and sustained tumor burden reduction at 10-month follow-up. This case highlights the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy for refractory orbital plasmacytoma and calls attention to potential inflammatory toxicities.

Rare presentation of orbital metastasis in multiple myeloma

Orbital manifestations are rarely observed in multiple myeloma (MM) and when they occur, they are often the first manifestation. We report a rare occurrence of vision loss in a 51-year-old female from orbital metastases in MM without proptosis or diplopia. The ophthalmic presentation of MM is usually progressive proptosis, pain, diplopia, and visual loss. The presence of metastasis in MM indicates poor prognosis and orbital metastases have worse survival rates. In conclusion, in cases of profound vision loss with no obvious cause, neuroimaging should be performed to evaluate the orbital extent of the disease and exclude intracranial pathology.

Superior Oblique Muscle Extramedullary Plasmacytoma in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma and a Review of Literature

Introduction

Multiple myeloma (MM), a plasma cell malignancy, is a systemic disease affecting various body organs. Plasmacytoma of bone and extramedullary disease (EMD) are presentations of MM. EMD is usually the sign of a more aggressive form of the disease. Herein, we report a patient with refractory MM presenting with extramedullary plasmacytoma in the superior oblique (SO) muscle.

Case Presentation

A 51-year-old female presented complaining of gradual protrusion of the left eye and ocular pain from 20 days prior. She received bone marrow transplantation 1 year prior and was on a chemotherapy regimen for MM for the past 1 year. Ocular examination revealed proptosis of the left eye and mild limitations of adduction and elevation. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated remarkable enlargement of the left SO muscle with focal contrast enhancement. The patient underwent a biopsy and mass debulking. The histopathologic exam revealed fibromuscular tissue containing a neoplasm composed of sheets of plasmacytoid cells in a varying degree of differentiation with intervening scantly vascularized stromal components. The plasmacytoid cells were diffusely positive for a cluster of differentiation 138 (CD138), leading to a diagnosis of EMD involving the EOM and soft tissue of the orbit. The patient underwent palliative radiotherapy and a systemic workup. The PET-CT scan revealed involvement of the pelvic bone and left calf. Accordingly, the chemotherapy regimen was upgraded to reflect the aggressive nature of the disease. In the last follow-up, there was no sign of tumor reactivation in the orbital soft tissues. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to her illness 7 months following her most recent presentation.

Conclusion

Early recognition of disease recurrence is lifesaving in MM patients; ophthalmic manifestations should be seriously considered as a sign of MM activity.

Localized Recurrence of Multiple Myeloma in the Lacrimal Gland

The authors report the case of a multiple myeloma recurrence isolated to the lacrimal gland. The patient is a 54-year-old man with a medical history of IgA kappa multiple myeloma status post multiple lines of chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation (×2) who was presumed to be without evidence of disease. Six years following the transplant, he presented with a lacrimal gland tumor with a biopsy consistent with multiple myeloma. Systemic disease evaluation at that time, including positron emission tomography scan, bone marrow biopsy, and serum analysis, were negative. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no prior reports exist describing an isolated lacrimal gland recurrence of multiple myeloma with ultrasound and MRI imaging.

Bilateral orbital plasmacytomas as first sign of extramedullary progression post CAR-T therapy: case report and literature review

Background

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is an aggressive and rare form of plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by peripheral blood expression, poor prognosis, and high relapse rates. Extramedullary plasmacytomas are common in this entity and can affect various organs and soft tissues. Chimeric antigen receptor-T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is a novel immunotherapy for hematological malignancies with promising results. However, it is not indicated for PCL, and experience in this condition is limited. This case is a rare presentation of bilateral orbital plasmacytomas after CAR-T therapy in a patient with PCL history.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 51-year-old female patient with a history of previous primary PCL treated with CAR-T therapy achieving complete response and without evidence of systemic progression. Six months after the treatment, she developed subacute proptosis and ptosis on the left eye.An orbital CT scan was performed and showed an orbital tumor in both eyes. A surgical biopsy with histological examination revealed plasma cells, consistent with a plasmacytoma. PET-CT and MRI confirmed the presence of tumors in both orbits. The patient was treated with dexamethasone and chemotherapy along with palliative radiation therapy to the left orbit which had a good response.

Conclusion

Orbital involvement in multiple myeloma and PCL is rare, with plasmacytomas being more common in other parts of the body. In this report, we present a case of a patient with PCL history, treated with multiple therapeutic lines including CAR-T therapy, who presented bilateral orbital plasmacytomas as the first sign of extramedullary progression after the treatment. This case should be considered by specialist to be aware that the orbits are a possible location of extramedullary progression.

Orbital Involvement in Multiple Myeloma

PURPOSE

To characterize clinical and radiographic features, management, and outcomes of patients with orbital involvement of multiple myeloma (MM).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified patients with MM and orbital involvement confirmed by histopathology at a single institution between 1995 and 2021. A comprehensive literature review was performed via PubMed to identify all previously reported cases of orbital MM.

RESULTS

Retrospective review identified 7 patients (43% male, mean age 68.7 years). Presenting symptoms included proptosis and diplopia. Orbital lesions were primarily located laterally (42.8%) with associated extraocular muscle (57.1%) or lacrimal gland (42.9%) involvement. Five patients (71.4%) had a previous diagnosis of systemic MM. Six patients received chemoradiation (85.7%). All patients had improvement of orbital disease with 2 patients deceased due to disease at follow-up (mean 8.9 months). Literature review identified 111 cases (46.8% male, mean age 58.6 years). 48.6% presented with orbital disease as the first manifestation of systemic MM. Lesions were most commonly located superolaterally (20.2%) with extraocular muscle infiltration (25.2%), lacrimal gland involvement (7.2%), and orbital bony destruction (39.6%). Treatments included chemoradiation, chemotherapy, or radiation alone. Approximately half (51.4%) of patients experienced improvement in orbital disease following treatment, and 48.6% were deceased at follow-up (mean 20.1 months).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a new retrospective study and updated comprehensive literature review regarding orbital MM. Given its poor prognosis, characterization of orbital MM is essential for early diagnosis. Orbital MM is often unilateral, located superolaterally, and may represent the first manifestation of systemic disease. Treatment includes chemotherapy and radiation, which may improve orbital disease; however, the overall prognosis remains poor.

Clinical features and prognosis of multiple myeloma and orbital extramedullary disease: Seven cases report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Multiple myeloma (MM) complicated with extramedullary disease (EMD) has a poor prognosis and is a limiting factor in the treatment of MM, and no standard treatment is recommended in international guidelines. Few studies have reported MM with periorbital EMD.

CASE SUMMARY

In this paper, the clinical characteristics and survival of seven patients with multiple myeloma and orbital are described and analyzed. The common ocular symptoms were blurred vision, proptosis and/or eye movement disorders, IgG type MM may be a risk factor for orbital involvement. Of them, six patients were treated with bortezomib-based regimens. The median overall survival (OS) and progression free survival for the entire cohort were 48 and 33 mo, respectively, which was much worse than the OS reported for MM patients without orbital EMD.

CONCLUSION

Orbital MM may have significantly shortened survival for the entire cohort, so multidisciplinary collaboration is emphasized and recommended in the diagnosis and treatment of these difficult cases.

Central Nervous System Myeloma and Unusual Extramedullary Localizations: Real Life Practical Guidance

Central nervous system localization of multiple myeloma (CNS-MM) accounts for about 1% of all MM during disease course or even rarer at diagnosis. A difference in the origin, i.e., osteodural or primary dural vs leptomeningeal/intraparenchymal, seems to define two distinct types of intracranial myeloma, with different clinical behavior. CNS-MM may occur also as a presentation of MM. Treatment is still unsatisfactory and many treatments have been reported: chemotherapy, intrathecal therapy, and radiotherapy, with dismal prognosis. Other sites of myeloma localization could be also of interest and deserve description. Because of the rarity and aggressiveness of the disease clinicians are often doubtful on how to treat it since there is no general agreement. Moreover, recent drugs such as the anti CD38 monoclonal antibody, immunomodulatory drugs, and proteasome inhibitors have changed the treatment of patients with MM with a significant improvement in overall response and survival. The role of novel agents in CNS MM management and unusual presentations will be discussed as well as the potential role of other new immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors that seem to cross the blood-brain barrier. The purpose of this review is to increase awareness of the clinical unusual presentation and neuroradiological findings, give practical diagnostic advice and treatment options algorithm.

Invasive Orbital Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma

Background

Orbital squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare entity. It is often a result of local invasion of SCC originating from the skin, nasopharynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, conjunctiva, lacrimal glands, or sac or less commonly occurs through hematogenous metastasis. Herein, we report a patient with orbital SCC with a history of multiple myeloma (MM). Case presentation. A 45-year-old woman with a history of MM in the past two years presented to our clinic complaining of gradual right eye proptosis for six months. The relative afferent pupillary defect was detected in the right eye on her examination. Ocular movements of the right eye were limited in all directions. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an infiltrative mass in the right orbit extended from the anterior to the orbital apex and the optic canal. The patient underwent debulking, and a histopathology examination revealed SCC results. No other secondary site was found to be the origin of the tumor.

Result

The patient underwent chemotherapy and subsequent radiotherapy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of concomitant MM and primary orbital SCC.

Bilateral Orbital Plasmacytomas With Orbital Compartment Syndrome

Orbital plasmacytomas are uncommon soft-tissue plasma cell neoplasms that are associated with a monoclonal or myeloma protein. There are four types of plasma cell neoplasms: multiple myeloma (MM), monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), amyloidosis, and plasmacytoma. Plasmacytomas may be classified as medullary, occurring only within the bone, or extramedullary, occurring in soft tissues. Orbital plasmacytomas are extramedullary manifestations associated with MM and they may present with signs and symptoms such as unilateral proptosis, conjunctival injection, ocular pain, diplopia, and vision changes. The diagnosis of orbital plasmacytomas is based on tissue biopsy and histologic and immunohistochemical confirmation of a homogenous infiltrate of monoclonal plasma cells.

In this report, we present a case of a 60-year-old female patient with a prior diagnosis of MM and new-onset bilateral orbital plasmacytomas following an autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant; her condition improved significantly following treatment with dexamethasone, cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide along with palliative radiation therapy (RT) of 2000 cGy in 10 fractions to the orbits. Unfortunately, three months later, she had progression of extramedullary disease with parotid gland involvement. She had multiple complicated hospitalizations and eventually expired. As patients with orbital plasmacytomas classically have lower remission and survival rates compared to those with extramedullary plasmacytomas involving other locations, they must be considered high-risk patients who require a multidisciplinary approach for early diagnosis and timely treatment in order to prevent disease progression and to alleviate symptoms related to the disease.

Case Report: Cavernous Sinus Syndrome as the Initial Presentation of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy and most common primary bone malignancy. Ocular manifestations of MM are extremely rare and may be the first presentation leading to diagnosis. Ophthalmologists routinely encounter cavernous sinus syndrome, and there is a wide range of possible etiologies. Here, we present a case of a patient presenting with diplopia, ptosis, and ophthalmoplegia found to have a cavernous sinus plasmacytoma with systemic workup consistent with MM. MM is a rare cause of cavernous sinus syndrome and should be considered in the setting of a skull base mass.

Hidden in the Eyes—Recurrence of Systemic Hemopathies Reportedly “In Remission”: Six Cases and Review of Literature

Background and Objectives: Secondary ocular localizations of hematological malignancies are blinding conditions with a poor prognosis, and often result in a delay in the diagnosis. Materials and Methods: We describe a series of rare cases of ocular involvement in six patients with hematological malignancies, reportedly in remission, who presented secondary ocular localizations, challenging to diagnose. Two patients had an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and developed either a posterior scleritis or a pseudo-panuveitis with ciliary process infiltration. One patient had iris plasmacytoma and developed an anterior uveitis as a secondary presentation. Two patients had a current systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and were referred either for intermediate uveitis or for papilledema and vitritis with secondary retinitis. Finally, one patient with an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presented a conjunctival localization of a myeloid sarcoma. We herein summarize the current knowledge of ophthalmologic manifestations of extramedullary hematopathies. Results: Inflammatory signs were associated with symptomatic infiltrative lesions well displayed in either the iris, the retina, the choroid, or the cavernous sinus, from the admission of the patients in the ophthalmological department. These findings suggest that patients with ALL, AML, systemic DLBCL, and myeloma can present with ophthalmic involvement, even after having been reported as in remission following an effective systemic treatment and/or allograft. Conclusions: Early detection of hidden recurrence in the eyes may permit effective treatment. Furthermore, oncologists and ophthalmologists should be aware of those rare ocular malignant locations when monitoring patient’s progression after initial treatment, and close ophthalmologic examinations should be recommended when detecting patient’s ocular symptoms after treatment.

Periocular Presentation of Solitary Plasmacytomas and Multiple Myeloma

AIMS

To describe patients with periocular solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (SEMP) and multiple myeloma (MM), together with an estimate of the risk of progression from SEMP to MM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective case-note review for patients seen between 1978 and 2020, examining demographics, presentation, imaging, pathology, management, and outcome.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (10 male; 50%) presented at a mean age of 60.9 years, with an average symptom duration of 4.5 months. Ten (50%) patients had known systemic myeloma at ophthalmic presentation (the MM group) and, on average, they presented one decade earlier than those with occult MM discovered after orbital biopsy (p = 0.06); the majority (9/15; 60%) of patients with MM were female, whereas there was a male bias (4/5; 80%) with SEMP (p = 0.30). Most tumors (15/20; 75%) were within the anterior part of the orbit, especially superolaterally (16 patients; 80%), and the soft-tissue mass often appeared to "explode" from the frontal bone or greater wing of the sphenoid (16/20; 80%). Full treatment details were known for 19 patients: 6 (32%) had solely orbital radiotherapy, 4 (21%) chemotherapy, 6 (32%) combined chemoradiation, and 3 (16%) had combined chemoradiation with stem-cell transplant (Table 3). After an average follow up of 58 months, 1/5 (20%) patients with SEMP and 11/15 (73%) with MM had tumor-related death. The overall survival probability for all 20 patients with periocular plasmacytoma was 34% at 5 and 10 years, with MM patients having a worse outlook (27% 5-year, and 18% 10-year survival) compared with SEMP (53% survival at 5 and 10 years) (p = 0.18). None of the 5 patients with SEMP progressed to systemic MM over an average follow up of 9.1 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Although 50% patients with periocular plasmacytoma appear to have a SEMP at ophthalmic presentation, a half of these patients were found to have occult MM within 6 months of biopsy. Of those without systemic disease around the time of biopsy, none developed MM over an average follow up of more than 9 years.

Spheno-orbital Lesions-A Major Review of Nonmeningioma Causes

PURPOSE

To review the imaging features of the broad range of nonmeningioma lesions of the greater wing of the sphenoid (GWS) bone and adjacent orbit to assist clinicians in differentiating these lesions from each other and from the most common lesion of the GWS and adjacent orbit, meningioma.

METHODS

We reviewed 32 cases of spheno-orbital lesions involving the GWS from our own practice, as well as 109 published cases (total 141), with emphasis on available imaging features on computerized tomography (CT) and MRI. Features that might assist in differentiating meningioma from its mimics were analyzed for each lesion, including the presence of an osteoblastic or hyperostotic response, bone erosion or osteolysis, homogeneous hypo- or hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI, leptomeningeal involvement, and the absence of a "dural tail" on contrast-enhanced MRI. The clinical and imaging features were also briefly summarized for each diagnostic group.

RESULTS

The largest diagnostic group was metastasis (67 cases, 47.5%). The most useful imaging features that helped differentiate meningioma from its mimics were the presence of bone erosion and the absence of a "dural tail." Other features were helpful in a small minority of cases only. Metastatic prostate cancer was the largest single group (21 cases), and 18 (85.7%) of these were osteoblastic and most closely mimicked meningioma. Prostate cancer patients were generally older than males with GWS meningioma. Almost all other (44/46, or 95.7%) metastatic lesions showed evidence of bone erosion. Almost half (30 of 61, 49.2%) of patients with metastasis presented without a known diagnosis of malignancy. Among children 16 years of age and less, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (10 cases), dermoid cyst (5), and Ewing's sarcoma (5) were the most common diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of a careful history and both CT and MRI gives information, which can best guide the management of patients with spheno-orbital lesions. Metastatic prostate cancer to the GWS most closely mimics GWS meningioma but can in most cases be differentiated on clinical and imaging features. Older males with hyperostotic lesions of the GWS should be investigated for prostate cancer. Other metastatic lesions and primary tumors of the GWS, as well as benign and structural lesions can readily be differentiated from meningioma on clinical and imaging features.

Extramedullary disease in multiple myeloma

When clonal plasma cells grow at anatomic sites distant from the bone marrow or grows contiguous from osseous lesions that break through the cortical bone, it is referred to as extramedullary multiple myeloma (EMD). EMD remains challenging from a therapeutic and biological perspective. The pathogenetic mechanisms are not completely understood and it is generally associated with high-risk cytogenetics which portends poor outcomes. There is a rising incidence of EMD in the era of novel agents, likely a reflection of longer OS, with no standard treatment approach. Patients benefit from aggressive chemotherapy-based approaches, but the OS and prognosis remains poor. RT has been used for palliative care. There is a need for large prospective trials for development of treatment approaches for treatment of EMD.

Huge Lateral Rectus Solitary Plasmacytoma Causing Shunt Extrusion

A 54-year-old man with a history of radiotherapy for right maxillary sinus plasmacytoma 3 years previously was referred to an orbital clinic with progressive proptosis in his right eye. His vision had deteriorated after an initial improvement after phacoemulsification 2 years before. He had undergone shunt implantation and later shunt removal following plate extrusion with the diagnosis of neovascular glaucoma following CRVO. His vision remained at no light perception afterwards, despite a controlled IOP with topical medications. In his CT scan, a large orbital mass was seen with lateral rectus involvement. He underwent deep orbitotomy for tumor resection following worsening of symptoms, and his symptoms were improved afterwards. Pathology report was consistent with plasmacytoma with anaplastic features. After tumor resection, he underwent another course of radiotherapy with complete remission of symptoms afterwards.

Optic nerve head plasmacytoma as a manifestation of multiple myeloma

Extramedullary disease in multiple myeloma is uncommon and associated with a poorer prognosis. Extramedullary disease involving the orbit is even more unusual, with optic nerve involvement being rare. We describe an optic nerve head plasmacytoma in a 45-year-old female in the setting of systemic relapsed, refractory IgA kappa multiple myeloma. The case highlights the importance of keeping extramedullary disease spread in the differential for vision loss in a patient with a history of multiple myeloma. In addition, it describes an unusual location for presentation of extramedullary disease, the optic nerve head, which has rarely been described.

Bilateral Proptosis in a Case of Recurring Multiple Myeloma: Uncommon Orbital Presentation of Plasmacytoma

Multiple myeloma is a malignant plasma cell dyscrasia that may invade the orbits in extramedullary presentations. Common manifestations of orbital involvement include unilateral proptosis, injection, chemosis, diplopia, and occasionally pain. Additionally, the soft-tissue tumors associated with multiple myeloma typically cause bony destruction of adjacent structures. However, in certain patients, bilateral proptosis and a lack of bony destruction may occur. In these instances, it is important for physicians to consider patient history, presentation, and progression in order to ensure that a potentially fatal diagnosis is not missed. The reason this case is important is two-fold: 1) we describe a case of an individual with relapsing multiple myeloma presenting as bilateral proptosis and lacking bony destruction, highlighting the importance of understanding the disease process and 2) we discuss why patients with multiple myeloma may be more prone to developing tumors of the orbit in recurrent cases.

Orbital plasmacytoma as the presenting feature in multiple myeloma

A 50-year-old female patient presented with protrusion of the left eye for 1 month. Examination showed abaxial proptosis, restriction of extraocular movements, and elevated intraocular pressure. Computed tomography of the orbits showed soft tissue enhancing lesion in the superolateral aspect of the left orbit with lytic lesions in calvarium. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the lesion revealed a diagnosis of plasmacytoma with positive CD138 and CD38 immunohistochemical stains. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and serum lactate dehydrogenase were elevated. Serum protein electrophoresis revealed hypergammaglobulinemia, and bone marrow biopsy revealed 6% plasma cells. The patient was started on chemotherapy with bortezomib, dexamethasone and lenalidomide by the medical oncologist. Significant improvement in proptosis and extraocular movements noted on follow-up. Orbital myeloma may be the first manifestation of systemic disease.

Uncommon Presentations of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a rare malignancy that exhibits a wide range of possible clinical presentations. In recent years, with the advent of stem cell transplantation, the prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma has been increasing. We searched the literature for reports of atypical myeloma presentations to aid clinicians in formulating differential diagnoses and to increase the number of cases diagnosed early. There have been a number of reports of early ocular symptoms, including, but not limited to, proptosis, optic neuropathy, vision loss, retinal hemorrhage, and detachment. Neurological presentations included cranial nerve palsies, vertigo related to cerebellar involvement, and diabetes insipidus related to pituitary involvement. Among gastrointestinal manifestations, there are a number of reports of multiple myeloma presenting as acute and chronic pancreatitis. Mesenteric ischemia due to amyloidosis, acute abdomen, and hepatosplenomegaly were also among reported presentations. When it comes to renal involvement, while acute renal failure and proteinuria are typical, there are reports of patients presenting with both nephritic and nephrotic forms of glomerular disease, as well as end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. We believe that it is essential for clinicians to keep reporting atypical multiple myeloma presentations and consider it as a possible diagnosis in a patient with serious, atypical symptoms.

Primary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the eyelid conjunctiva - A case report and review of the literature

Extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMPs) are uncommon plasma cell tumors that develop in soft tissue as isolated tumors without osseous involvement while secondary lesions are associated with systemic multiple myeloma (MM). Primary extramedullary lesions are most commonly found in upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and lymph nodes. They can be found either in patients with history of MM or preceding the manifestation of a systemic disease. Orbital manifestation of the lesion is rare but conjunctival involvement is very unusual. The reported cases in the English-written literature are only five cases. Herein, we report the sixth case of primary EMP in a middle-aged adult who presented with a lesion confined to the conjunctiva, unremarkable present and past medical history, and confirmed tissue diagnosis. In addition, a review and summary of the previously reported cases in the literature is presented. We aim to attract the attention of ophthalmic surgeons to consider plasmacytoma within the differential diagnosis of a conjunctival lesion.

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Extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMP) are isolated primary soft tissue plasma cell tumors without osseous involvement.

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Secondary lesions are associated with systemic multiple myeloma.

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The conjunctiva is a very unusual location for primary lesions.

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We are reporting the sixth case of conjunctival primary EMP.

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All cases including ours are summarized.

Trabeculectomy in an unsuspected extramedullary iris-ciliary body plasmacytoma

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the iris and ciliary body is extremely rare. We present a case which was misdiagnosed as granulomatous uveitis with neovascular glaucoma, and underwent a trabeculectomy with mitomycin-c along with iris biopsy. The post-operative period showed early bleb failure and catastrophic growth of the suspected mass. Histopathological examination revealed a diagnosis iris plasmacytoma. Subsequent ultrasound biomicroscopy showed involvement of the iris and ciliary body. A prompt systemic workup was done, and an associated systemic plasma cell dyscrasia was ruled out. The affected eye was enucleated, and the patient remains disease free at the end of 3-year follow-up.

Orbital Plasmacytoma, An Uncommon Presentation of Advanced Multiple Myeloma

Introduction

Extramedullary plasmacytomas are present in 13% of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Less than 5% of MM cases are non-secretory. The orbital location is uncommon and a minority of orbital tumours are plasmacytomas.

Description

The patient was a 71-year-old man, with right proptosis, retro-ocular pain and epistaxis with visual acuity 2/10, limitation of upper eye movement and scattered ecchymosis. Blood tests revealed severe anaemia, coagulopathy, increased serum creatinine, LDH and C-RP without improvement after antimicrobial treatment. Peripheral immunophenotyping showed 9.4% of plasma cells with intracytoplasmic clonal κ chains. IgG and λ chains were decreased with normal plasma and urine immunofixation. Orbital CT: retro-orbital superomedial tumour with bone destruction. Histology of the tumour and bone biopsy was consistent with plasmacytoma. The patient was deceased in 2 weeks.

Discussion

MM accounts for 10% of haematopoietic tumours; 7% of cases present with plasmacytomas at diagnosis. Orbital locations are rarely reported (frequently in the temporal region). Proptosis, ptosis and reduced visual acuity are common symptoms. However, orbital pain is less frequent. Most cases of MM demonstrate hypergammaglobulinaemia. Only 5% of MM cases are non-secretory.

The uncommon location, topography, symptom peculiarities and absence of monoclonality led to the diagnostic challenge of this fatal case of MM.

LEARNING POINTS

Retinal ischemia due to extramedullary plasmacytomas of the orbit

Visual disturbance is a common complaint in patients with multiple myeloma, both at diagnosis and later in their course, and has a broad differential. Here, we report a novel cause of visual disturbance, namely retinal ischemia due to extramedullary plasmacytomas of the orbit. A 69 year-old male patient with known multiple myeloma presented with reduced vision in his left eye. The patient had been initially diagnosed with IgG myeloma 9 months earlier and multiples lines of medical therapy had been unsuccessful. Ophthalmology review was organised and fundoscopic examination showed evidence of retinal ischemia. Computed tomography of the orbits demonstrated multiple enhancing masses within both orbits, consistent with extramedullary plasmacytomas. The presence of retinal ischemia was thus attributed to mass effect on the orbital vessels. Extramedullary plasmacytomas within the orbit are a rare manifestation of multiple myeloma, but important to consider as a possible cause of visual disturbance.

Diplopia and proptosis due to isolated lateral rectus plasmacytoma in a patient with multiple myeloma

Orbital involvement of multiple myeloma (MM) is uncommon, with most of those reported cases occurring at the time of initial diagnosis of MM. We present a case of an extramedullary plasmacytoma involving only the right lateral rectus of a patient who had been in disease remission. The patient presented with new-onset diplopia and an abduction deficit of the right eye, with mild proptosis. In light of her past medical history of MM, an orbital MRI was obtained. The MRI demonstrated an isolated finding of eccentric enlargement of the right lateral rectus muscle limited to the muscle belly with sparing of the tendinous insertions, leading to diagnosis of plasmacytoma. Patching of the involved eye to alleviate the symptoms of diplopia was instituted. Chemotherapy was initiated, followed by orbital radiation and stem-cell transplantation for coexisting systemic disease. The orbital symptoms of proptosis and diplopia resolved within 1 month of treatment.

Clinical Presentation and Anatomical Location of Orbital Plasmacytomas

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and anatomical location of orbital plasmacytomas and assess local control following therapy.

METHODS

The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Oncology Database was queried to identify patients diagnosed with orbital plasmacytoma. These patients' records were reviewed for demographic characteristics, clinical and radiologic findings, treatments, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty patients from 4 institutions (24 from MD Anderson Cancer Center, 3 from SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 2 from University of California, Los Angeles, and 1 from Oregon Health and Science University) were identified. Eighteen patients (60%) were diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) before and 11 (37%) were diagnosed with MM immediately after orbital plasmacytoma. Based on imaging, 4 distinct anatomical patterns were identified: 1) bony plasmacytoma affecting the superotemporal orbit, epidural space, and temporal fossa (15 patients; 50%); 2) discrete orbital plasmacytoma (7 patients; 23%); 3) infiltrative plasmacytoma either originating from a sinus (4 patients; 13%); or 4) originating from the orbital floor and infiltrating facial soft tissue (4 patients; 13%). Of the 29 patients with available treatment data, 2 had radiation only, 3 had chemotherapy only, 6 had chemoradiation, and 18 had stem cell transplant following chemoradiation (n = 17) or only chemotherapy (n = 1). Following treatment, 10 patients achieved complete and 11 achieved partial responses.

CONCLUSION

Orbital plasmacytomas were found exclusively in patients with MM diagnosed before or immediately after orbital plasmacytoma. Plasmacytomas can have 4 distinct anatomical patterns of origin. Following treatment, all patients had good to excellent local control of their orbital lesions.

Zoledronic acid-induced orbital inflammation in a patient with multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of malignant plasma cells which stimulates osteoclasts and is associated with increased bone turnover and osteolysis. Bisphosphonates including zolendronic acid are used to prevent skeletal complications in patients with multiple myeloma. Orbital inflammation is a rare but serious complication following use of bisphosphonates. The diagnosis is made by excluding other possible causes in patients with myeloma and rapid initiation of therapy is required. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy but the ideal treatment course has not been delineated. This report describes a case of this rare complication and provides a review of the literature.

Five cases of orbital extramedullary plasmacytoma: diagnosis and management of an aggressive malignancy

Purpose: Multiple myeloma is an insidious haematological malignancy characterised by monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare manifestation of multiple myeloma and usually occurs in the upper respiratory tract. Orbital involvement is particularly uncommon, but may be associated with devastating visual impairment and poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, this article aims to highlight the need for multidisciplinary management of orbital extramedullary plasmacytoma. Methods: This is a retrospective observational case series of five patients. All presented to the authors for management of orbital extramedullary plasmacytomas from 2004 to 2015 at Prince of Wales and Mater Hospitals in Sydney, Australia. Medical records were reviewed for pertinent information including demographics, disease features, management strategy, and clinical progress. The study met Medical Ethics Board standards and is in accordance with the Helsinki Agreements. Results: This case series of five patients underscores the poor prognosis of orbital extramedullary plasmacytoma. Despite aggressive multidisciplinary management, four of these five patients succumbed to their illness during the study period. However, multidisciplinary management did manage to minimise symptoms and preserve quality of life. Conclusions: On a case-by-case basis, patients may derive palliative benefit from orbital surgery in conjunction with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Orbital surgeons are encouraged to work within a multidisciplinary framework of medical specialists, including haematologists and radiation oncologists, when determining the optimal management plan in cases of orbital extramedullary plasmacytoma.

Right orbital edema masquerading a hematologic malignancy

Introduction:

Multiple myeloma is caused by abnormal proliferation of plasma cells that affects more commonly African Americans. It classically presents with hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia, and lytic bone lesions. The aim of this article is to present an unusual case of a 63-year-old African-American female with multiple myeloma who presented with worsening right-sided eye swelling for the past 3 weeks and to briefly review ophthalmologic manifestations of multiple myeloma.

Case description:

Our patient’s presentation was associated with a throbbing frontal headache, nasal congestion, malaise, and weight loss. Differential diagnosis on admission included giant cell arteritis, conjunctivitis, preseptal cellulitis, glaucoma, acute sinusitis, or cavernous sinus thrombosis. Extensive ophthalmologic evaluation did not show any intraocular abnormality. However, a magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed hyperintense foci in the right frontal calvarium leading to the eye swelling. Further evaluation revealed pancytopenia, elevated protein levels, and inverse albumin–globulin ratio suggestive of a plasma cell dyscrasia. A skeletal survey revealed multiple osteolytic lesions. Serum and urine protein electrophoresis revealed elevated immunoglobulin G Kappa monoclonal gammopathy. Bone marrow biopsy demonstrated a hypercellular marrow comprised at least 70% mature appearing plasma cells staining positive for CD138. Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone was initiated. After 2 months of chemotherapy, orbital swelling has resolved with decrease in M-spike, immunoglobulin G, and serum kappa light chains.

Conclusion:

This case illustrates an unusual presentation of multiple myeloma which was eye swelling caused by bony infiltration in the calvarium. Although hematologic malignancies tend to have more specific signs and symptoms, they should be included in the differentials of unilateral orbital edema.

Orbital multiple myeloma: a diagnostic challenge

Orbital involvement in multiple myeloma is unusual. We describe the case of an 85-year-old woman who presented with right eye proptosis, reduced visual acuity and diplopia. Computed tomography showed a lobulated, enhancing soft tissue mass arising from the right greater wing of the sphenoid with intraconal, lacrimal gland and ocular muscle involvement. Histopathology revealed predominantly atypical plasma cells in a background of reactive lymphocytes, with monoclonality towards kappa light chain protein, suggestive of multiple myeloma. This case illustrates the diagnostic imaging challenge of orbital multiple myeloma.

Orbital Plasmacytoma Mimicking an Orbital Abscess

An 83-year-old male with a 15-month history of multiple myeloma presented with acute onset of swelling, redness, and pain around his right eye. CT scan was consistent with an orbital abscess. The patient was taken to the operating room for drainage of the orbital abscess. Abnormal tissue was encountered intraoperatively so biopsies were taken. His cultures grew only one colony of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus. The histopathology from the biopsies showed a CD-138 positive plasma cell neoplasia consistent with a plasmacytoma. Plasmacytomas have been reported to present as orbital cellulitis and as abscesses in other locations in the body, but to our knowledge, this is the first case of a plasmacytoma presenting as an orbital abscess.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the lateral rectus muscle

Plasmacytoma is an uncommon presentation of plasma cell malignancy, especially in the absence of multiple myeloma. Orbital plasmacytomas generally originate from bone, although few cases in the literature report orbital extramedullary plasmacytomas. We present the case of a 68-year-old man found to have a solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma in the lateral rectus muscle without further evidence of multiple myeloma. This case demonstrates a rare presentation for such a malignancy, and a review of the literature highlights the importance of proper workup and close monitoring to rule out multiple myeloma to guide management.

Ophthalmic manifestations of systemic diseases--part 1: phakomatoses, hematologic malignancies, metastases, and histiocytosis

The orbit can be secondarily involved in various systemic conditions. The ophthalmic involvement is often the first clue to the presence of an underlying systemic condition. The ophthalmic involvement in systemic diseases can be either ocular or extraocular. The extent of involvement can be well delineated by imaging modalities like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In the first part of the article, we provide an overview of systemic diseases affecting the orbit, briefly discuss the modalities for orbital imaging, and discuss the imaging appearances of ophthalmic involvement in (1) phakomatoses, (2) hematologic malignancies, (3) metastases, and (4) histiocytosis. At the end of the 2-part article, we discuss a pattern-based approach and differential diagnosis of orbital lesions in systemic diseases.

Primary orbital plasmacytoma mimicking lacrimal gland tumor

Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare plasma cell malignancy, comprising 3% of the whole group. The involvement of orbit is even rarer since 80% of extramedullary plasmacytoma have been reported from upper respiratory tract, followed by gastrointestinal tract. The disease is thrice more common in males than females and is more common in 6th to 7th decade of life, but we are reporting a case of extramedullary plasmacytoma presenting as lacrimal gland tumor in a 59-year-old female. The correct diagnosis is essential since the disease is highly radiosensitive and responds well to radiotherapy unlike other malignancy in this region. A high index of suspicion with imaging and careful use of fine needle aspiration cytology helps in diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Diplopia and variable ptosis as the sole initial findings in a case of orbital plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma

Plasmacytomas are monoclonal plasma cell tumors. They represent 3% of all orbital tumors. We present an unusual case of orbital plasmacytoma and advanced multiple myeloma where the sole presenting symptoms were those of diplopia and ptosis. Clinical examination revealed right hypertropia and variable left upper lid ptosis but no proptosis. The visual acuity and the rest of the ocular examination were normal in both eyes. An MRI scan of the brain and orbits revealed a frontal bone lesion consistent with a plasmacytoma. A bone marrow biopsy showed a light chain multiple myeloma with free lambda light chains. Although the literature reports diplopia and ptosis as being clinical features of orbital plasmacytomas, to our knowledge this is the first reported case where these symptoms were the only presenting features, despite widespread disease.

Efficacy of lenalidomide in association with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone in multiple myeloma patient with bilateral retro-orbital localisation

Extramedullary localisation is an uncommon manifestation in multiple myeloma (MM). Ocular involvement is rare. Here, we describe a relapse of MM with bilateral retro-orbital localisation without any bone involvement with good and rapid response to therapy with lenalidomide, dexamethasone, and cyclophosphamide.

Multiple myeloma of the orbit

The authors report a case of a 62-year-old female with history of multiple myeloma who presents with complains of swelling and pain in her right eye. On examination, it was found that she has proptosis, chemosis, and diplopia along with decreased vision. Initial workup and treatment did not yield significant results, eventually she was found to have myelomatous changes in her right orbit on MRI and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma of the orbit which resolved solely with radiation. This case tends to highlight the importance of considering myeloma of the orbit as a very important and early differential diagnosis in a patient with a history of multiple myeloma presenting with a swollen and painful eye.