Gastrointestinal plasmacytoma presenting as gastrointestinal bleeding

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Gastroenterology
• Oncology

Background:

• Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by plasma cell proliferation.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement in MM is rare, with limited reported cases.
• Understanding rare complications is crucial for comprehensive patient management.

Observation:

• A patient with a known diagnosis of multiple myeloma presented with upper GI bleeding.
• The GI bleeding was persistent and refractory to standard medical and endoscopic therapies.
• A solitary plasmacytoma was identified as the cause of the bleeding.

Findings:

• Plasmacytoma can manifest as a cause of significant GI bleeding in MM patients.
• Abnormal hemostasis, involving the coagulation cascade, contributes to bleeding risk in MM.
• This case underscores the importance of considering extramedullary plasmacytoma in MM with unexplained GI hemorrhage.

Implications:

• Heightened awareness of plasmacytoma as a cause of GI bleeding in MM is warranted.
• Clinicians should consider GI plasmacytoma in MM patients with refractory GI bleeding.
• Further research into the mechanisms of GI involvement and bleeding in MM may improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.