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A Rare Case of Acute Kidney Injury with Central Nervous System Manifestations
Pragna Potturi1, Jay Singh Arora1, Payal Gaggar1
1Department of Nephrology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Abstract:
Multiple myeloma (MM) is usually a disease of the elderly and only less than 1% are young individuals below 35 years of age. Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of MM are even rarer, the most common being leptomeningeal involvement. We report a case of a 35-year-old male who presented with a fever of 3 weeks duration associated with slurring of speech, nasal regurgitation, hearing loss, and decreased urine output. CNS examination showed IX, X, and XII cranial nerve palsies with right otitis media and bilateral mastoiditis with conductive hearing loss. Renal biopsy showed cast nephropathy. The kappa-lambda ratio was 18, with β2 microglobulin measuring 12 mg/L. Bone marrow showed 90% plasma cells, and skeletal survey had bony lytic lesions. He responded well to dexamethasone, bortezomib, and thalidomide. His renal functions returned to normal, and palsies have improved completely. This report shows that MM should be suspected even in young patients with classical features of myeloma and CNS involvement is very rare in MM.
Insights
Multiple myeloma (MM) is rare in young adults, but this case highlights unusual central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Early suspicion and treatment are crucial for better outcomes in these rare young myeloma patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) predominantly affects older individuals, with less than 1% of cases occurring in patients under 35.
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in MM is exceptionally rare, typically manifesting as leptomeningeal disease.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old male presented with prolonged fever, slurred speech, nasal regurgitation, hearing loss, and decreased urine output.
- Neurological examination revealed cranial nerve palsies (IX, X, XII), otitis media, and mastoiditis.
- Renal biopsy confirmed cast nephropathy, indicative of myeloma kidney.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited classic MM indicators: high kappa-lambda ratio (18), elevated β2 microglobulin (12 mg/L), 90% bone marrow plasma cells, and lytic bone lesions.
- Treatment with dexamethasone, bortezomib, and thalidomide led to significant improvement in renal function and neurological deficits.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering MM in young patients presenting with myeloma-like symptoms, even with atypical CNS manifestations.
- Early diagnosis and prompt therapeutic intervention can lead to favorable outcomes in young adults with multiple myeloma and CNS involvement.
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