IgM multiple myeloma: a diagnostic challenge in a patient with coexisting chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
As IgM multiple myeloma is a rare poorly characterised disease entity; there is only limited published data on its clinical, microscopic and immunophenotypic features. We report a 72-year-old man misdiagnosed as Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Also the diagnosis was further complicated by coexisting chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Following confirmation of IgM myeloma, in view of the patient's deteriorating clinical condition; he was entered into the UK Medical Research Council Myeloma IX trial where he had partial response to chemotherapy. This case highlights the value of detailed immunophenotypic evaluation when clinical and morphological markers are equivocal.
Department of Haematology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, CF14 4XN, Cardiff, UK. hewamanas@cf.ac.uk.
Saman
S
Hewamana
Department of Haematology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, CF14 4XN, Cardiff, UK.
Chris
C
Pepper
Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, CF14 4XW, Cardiff, UK.
Steve
S
Couzens
Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, CF14 4XW, Cardiff, UK.
Alun
A
Thomas
Department of Haematology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, CF14 4XN, Cardiff, UK.
Steven
S
Knapper
D000368:Aged; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D008258:Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology
D007075:Immunoglobulin M