Multiple myeloma with unexplained isolated anaemia in a 24year old man- a case report

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease of the elderly with a median age at presentation of 70 years. It is rare to diagnose MM in individuals less than 40 years and even extremely rare in those less than 30 years of age. MM is usually suspected in those aged 50 years and above having a combination of hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anaemia and bone lesions. Although anaemia is a common clinical feature of MM, it is very rare that anaemia would be the only clinical presentation, hence the need to report this index case.

We present a rare case of MM in a 24-year- old male who presented with only symptomatic anaemia. Investigations for the cause of anaemia, including Bone marrow aspiration cytology revealed a diagnosis of MM ISS stage II. Here, we highlighted the need to seek early haematologist consultation in investigating patients' whose cause of anaemia is not immediately obvious from the clinical presentation and routine laboratory investigations.

MM can present at a younger age with unexplained anaemia without bone pains or renal insufficiency. High level of suspicion for MM is required in young patients with unexplained anaemia.