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Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the cavernous sinus
I Vande Broek1, T Stadnik, A Meurs
1Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Academic Hospital, Free University Brussels (VUB), Belgium. isabelle.vandebroek@az.vub.ac.be
Leukemia & Lymphoma
|October 29, 2002
Summary
This case report details an 80-year-old male with relapsed extramedullary plasmacytoma affecting the cavernous sinus, leading to cavernous sinus syndrome. Despite treatment, the patient succumbed, highlighting a rare but critical complication of multiple myeloma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy.
- Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) can occur outside the bone marrow.
- Cavernous sinus syndrome presents with specific cranial nerve deficits.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old male with a history of stage I MM and neck EMP presented with diplopia, exophthalmia, ptosis, and orbital pain.
- MRI revealed a mass in the cavernous sinus, indicative of recurrent EMP.
- Despite palliative radiation and high-dose dexamethasone, the patient's condition deteriorated.
Findings:
- The case highlights a rare instance of extramedullary plasmacytoma involving the cavernous sinus.
- The patient's symptoms were characteristic of cavernous sinus syndrome.
- Treatment with radiation and dexamethasone was ineffective, leading to a fatal outcome.
Implications:
- Cavernous sinus syndrome in MM patients warrants investigation for plasmacytic involvement.
- Early recognition of EMP in the cavernous sinus is crucial for potential intervention.
- This case underscores the aggressive nature of some extramedullary plasmacytomas.