Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

An Organotypic High Throughput System for Characterization of Drug Sensitivity of Primary Multiple Myeloma Cells
Published on: July 15, 2015
Unexpected discovery of multiple myeloma following cardiomyopathy
Souhail Dahraoui1, Jean Uwingabiye1, Badia Belarj1
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Toxicology Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Mohammed V University Rabat Morocco.
Insights
Unexpected multiple myeloma was discovered in an elderly patient presenting with cardiomyopathy. This highlights the importance of investigating anemia thoroughly before attributing it to heart or kidney issues, especially in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Hematology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Cardiomyopathy is a common condition in elderly patients.
- Anemia is frequently observed in patients with heart failure and kidney disease.
Observation:
- An elderly patient admitted to the emergency department with cardiomyopathy presented with unexpectedly discovered multiple myeloma.
- The patient's anemia was initially considered secondary to heart failure or kidney disease.
Findings:
- Serum protein electrophoresis revealed the presence of multiple myeloma.
- The anemia was directly linked to the underlying multiple myeloma, not solely to cardiomyopathy or kidney disease.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of a comprehensive diagnostic workup for anemia in elderly patients, even when cardiac or renal conditions are apparent.
- Serum protein electrophoresis should be considered a crucial diagnostic tool for identifying hematological malignancies like multiple myeloma in older individuals presenting with nonspecific symptoms.
Abstract:
We report the case of multiple myeloma of unexpected discovery in an old patient admitted to the emergency department of cardiomyopathy. This observation emphasizes the need for exploring any anemia before linking it to heart failure or kidney disease. Serum protein electrophoresis remains crucial especially in the elderly patients.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

