Multiple myeloma. Diagnostic clues in a patient presenting with incapacitating arthralgias.
Multiple myeloma is characterized by the production of a monoclonal immunoglobulin, free monoclonal light chains, or both. Although bone pain is the classic presentation, multiple myeloma should be a consideration in differential diagnosis in elderly patients with arthritic complaints if other typical symptoms or laboratory abnormalities, such as anemia, hypercalcemia, and elevated ESR, are present. A combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy is the usual treatment.
Goodman
R
R
Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92357, USA.
Libanati
C
C
D018771:Arthralgia / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy