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Plasma cell myeloma associated with eosinophilia
L Glantz1, P Rintels, M Samoszuk
1Department of Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
This study details a rare case of plasma cell myeloma with significant eosinophilia. Treatment with steroids and chemotherapy reduced both conditions, suggesting interleukin-3 (IL-3) may play a role.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Plasma cell myeloma, a malignancy of plasma cells, rarely presents with eosinophilia.
- The pathogenesis of eosinophilia in plasma cell myeloma is often unclear.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old male presented with plasma cell myeloma and marked absolute peripheral blood eosinophilia (109.7 x 10(9)/L).
- Bone marrow examination revealed atypical plasma cells and eosinophilia with normal maturation.
- Pre-therapy serum analysis detected immunoreactive interleukin-3 (IL-3).
Findings:
- Combined steroid and chemotherapy led to a sustained decrease in both eosinophil count and plasma cells.
- Post-therapy serum was negative for IL-3, and plasma cells were negative for IL-3 and IL-5 via immunohistochemistry.
- Literature review identified five prior cases, with drug therapy implicated in two, and unexplained pathogenesis in others.
Implications:
- Interleukin-3 (IL-3) is a potential factor in the eosinophilia associated with plasma cell myeloma.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism linking plasma cell myeloma and eosinophilia.
- This case highlights the importance of investigating cytokine involvement in rare hematological presentations.