Multiple myeloma presenting as recurrent sinopulmonary infections
Julia Kang1, Amit Kumar, Catherine Monteleone
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|February 6, 2010
Summary
Multiple myeloma, a plasma cell cancer, can be missed in patients with recurrent infections but no typical symptoms like bone pain or anemia. Early diagnosis is crucial, even without classic signs.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy.
- Classic symptoms include bone pain, anemia, and renal insufficiency.
- Recurrent sinopulmonary infections can indicate underlying immune system dysfunction.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old man presented with recurrent sinopulmonary infections and abnormal immunoglobulin levels.
- He was evaluated for possible primary immunodeficiency.
- He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma despite lacking typical symptoms.
Findings:
- Multiple myeloma diagnosis can be challenging in atypical presentations.
- Patients with recurrent infections may have myeloma without classic signs.
- Immunoglobulin abnormalities can be an early indicator.
Implications:
- Increased awareness is needed for diagnosing multiple myeloma in non-classical cases.
- Consider myeloma in patients with recurrent infections and abnormal immunoglobulin levels.
- Timely diagnosis improves patient outcomes in multiple myeloma.
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