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Multiple myeloma with scleroderma-like changes
C Paredes-Suárez1, V Fernández-Redondo, M Vázquez Blanco
1Department of Dermatology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario, Faculty of Medicine, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain. mejaime@usc.es
Summary
A patient with multiple myeloma experienced generalized itching, skin hardening, and kidney failure. These symptoms, resembling scleroderma, were linked to the underlying cancer.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nephrology
- Oncology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy.
- Scleroderma is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by skin hardening.
Observation:
- A patient presented with generalized pruritus, brownish sclerodermatous plaques, and sclerodactyly.
- Laboratory tests revealed a monoclonal band for IgG-kappa.
Findings:
- Bone marrow examination confirmed multiple myeloma.
- The patient rapidly developed anuric renal failure and malignant hypertension.
- Skin sclerosis was observed, mimicking systemic scleroderma.
Implications:
- This case highlights the association between multiple myeloma and scleroderma-like skin changes.
- Differentiating these neoplastic-related skin manifestations from systemic scleroderma is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Early recognition of these cutaneous signs may aid in the diagnosis of underlying plasma cell dyscrasias.