Multiple myeloma in alcoholic liver cirrhosis

A case of multiple myeloma (Bence Jones, lambda) associated with alcoholic liver cirrhosis is reported. A 56-year-old Japanese male died of hepatic failure and hypercalcemia. Autopsy revealed alcoholic liver cirrhosis and plasma cell myeloma. Immunoelectrophoretic analysis of his reserved serum disclosed the presence of M component of lambda Bence Jones protein. IgA and lambda light chain were demonstrated in the cytoplasm of the myeloma cells. Complications such as generalized amyloidosis, metastatic calcification, myeloma kidney and hemorrhagic pancreatitis were noted. The coexistence of multiple myeloma and liver cirrhosis has rarely been reported. On the basis of a review of the reported cases, a possible association between both diseases was discussed.