Non-secretory multiple myeloma with diagnostic challenges

N. H. Hamidah, R. Z. Azma, E. Ezalia, S. Das, N. A. Umar, M. Swaminathan, Z. Mohamed, S. F. Abdul Wahid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Non-secretory multiple myeloma (NSMM) is a rare variant of the classic form of multiple myeloma (MM). In NSMM, no monoclonal gammopathy can be detected in serum or urine by conventional techniques, making the diagnosis more difficult. We describe a 71-year-old man who had been diagnosed and treated for granulocytic sarcoma one year prior to his recent problems of progressive low-back pain of two months duration. Skeletal X-rays showed diffuse osteolytic lesions with multiple pathological fractures but there was no monoclonal gammopathy in the serum or urine. The biopsy of the lytic lesion on the upper part of the femur showed infiltration by abnormal plasma cells. A diagnosis of NSMM was made and he was treated with chemotherapy. The early diagnostic difficulty and the challenges faced regarding the case are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)445-448
Number of pages4
JournalClinica Terapeutica
Volume161
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Diagnosis
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Non-secretory
  • Osteolytic lesions
  • Pathological fracture

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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