Immunoglobulin M Myeloma: Evaluation of Molecular Features and Cytokine Expression

Waldenstroms Macroglobulinemia Patient Presenting with Rare 'lytic' Lesions and Hypercalcemia: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Waldenstroms macroglobulinemia (WM) is an uncommon B-cell lymphoproliferative neoplasm characterized by lymphoplasmacytic cells infiltrating the Bone Marrow, along with demonstration of an IgM monoclonal gammopathy in the serum. Lytic lesions are considered one of the basis for differentiating a patient of Multiple Myeloma (MM) and WM. However, very few cases have been reported with a patient presenting with lytic lesions in a WM patient, thereby, complicating the disease. By finding the extent of these lytic lesions and bone involvement, Not only can we signify the presence or absence of bone lesions, but we can also direct the more efficient use of skeletal X-rays for documentation of the extent, location, and response of bone abnormalities to interventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Our case was mimicking the classic case of MM. Using the International Criteria for diagnosis for WM, diagnosis for MM was excluded and diagnosis for WM was made. After two weeks of therapy, the patient showed marked clinical improvement.

IgM multiple myeloma presenting with spinal cord compression caused by a plasmacytoma: A case report

Background

IgM multiple myeloma is rare disorder, which has clinical, laboratory and radiological manifestations that are consistent with both multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia.

Case presentation

An 83 years Welsh lady presented with clinical and radiological features consistent with spinal cord compression. Further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of IgM multiple myeloma. Following localized radiotherapy and five courses of melphalan and prednisolone, the patient achieved partial remission of her myeloma. Later on, the patient had disease progression in the form of rising serum IgM level and the development of multiple plasmacytomas. She was treated with thalidomide, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone and radiotherapy, which resulted in the control of her disease for one year. To our knowledge, this is the second case of IgM myeloma presenting with a plasmacytoma and the first case of IgM myeloma presenting with cord compression caused by plasmacytomas.

Conclusion

Unlike other types of multiple myeloma IgM myeloma is rarely complicated by plasmacytomas. However, spinal cord compression caused by plasmacytomas in this type of myeloma is extremely rare. Nevertheless, the same lines of management, e.g. cytotoxic chemotherapy and local radiotherapy that are applied to other types of myeloma can be successfully utilized.