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Myelomatous ascites
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|October 1, 1985
Summary
Ascites is a rare multiple myeloma symptom. This study highlights a unique case with predominant polymeric IgA, suggesting a link to mouse myeloma models.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Ascites is an uncommon manifestation of multiple myeloma.
- This study investigates a specific case and reviews literature on myelomatous ascites.
Observation:
- A patient presented with early-onset ascites, minimal skeletal involvement, and predominantly polymeric IgA in serum.
- Literature review identified 17 cases of myelomatous ascites.
Findings:
- IgA paraprotein was found in 71% of myelomatous ascites cases, a significantly higher incidence than in general myeloma.
- Most cases lacked intra-abdominal plasmacytoma, though liver infiltration was frequent.
- Ascites as a presenting feature was associated with skeletal sparing and IgA paraproteins in several instances.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential analogy between human myelomatous ascites (especially IgA-associated) and experimentally induced mouse myelomas.
- Polymeric IgA's role in the tissue origin of paraproteins warrants further investigation.
- Understanding these associations may improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for multiple myeloma with ascites.