Multiple myeloma presenting with ocular inflammation

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Hematology
• Pathology

Background:

• Intraocular myeloma is a rare plasma cell neoplasm affecting the eye.
• Endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular inflammation, often infectious.
• Systemic myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, frequently associated with amyloidosis.

Observation:

• A patient presented with ocular symptoms mimicking endophthalmitis.
• These ocular findings were the initial manifestation of a broader systemic disease.
• The patient was diagnosed with systemic myeloma and amyloidosis.

Findings:

• Vitreous aspirate analysis revealed a monoclonal protein spike via electrophoresis.
• Ocular examination showed signs and symptoms consistent with intraocular myeloma.
• The case underscores the potential for ocular presentation of systemic plasma cell disorders.

Implications:

• Ophthalmologists should consider intraocular myeloma in cases of atypical endophthalmitis.
• Early ocular detection can lead to timely diagnosis of systemic myeloma and amyloidosis.
• This case expands understanding of the diverse clinical presentations of plasma cell neoplasms.