Ophthalmic manifestations of multiple myeloma.
OBJECTIVE
To describe ophthalmic manifestations in a series of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and review the literature.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
Review of all cases with ophthalmic manifestations of MM seen at the Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, between 1987 and 2002.


RESULTS
Of all patients with MM who were managed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in the study period, only 8 were referred to the Ophthalmology Department with ophthalmic manifestations. Five males and 3 females with a mean age of 61.25 years (range 42-78) who exhibited ophthalmic manifestations were studied. Six patients (75%) had known MM at the time of their ophthalmic evaluation. Four patients (50%) had neuro-ophthalmic symptoms resulting in diplopia or visual disturbances. Three patients (37.5%) presented with orbital involvement and 1 (12.5%) with hyperviscosity retinopathy. Five patients (62.5%) died within 2 months of their ophthalmic presentation.


CONCLUSIONS
Ophthalmic manifestations of MM are uncommon and diverse. They may appear at the initial presentation of the disease or occur late in the disease process. Awareness of the possible manifestations may lead to an earlier diagnosis and have a positive influence on the disease course.
Fung
Shirley
S
Oculoplastic and Orbital Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
Selva
Dinesh
D
Leibovitch
Igal
I
Hsuan
James
J
Crompton
John
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005094:Exophthalmos / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy