Abstract
We describe the case of a 34-year-old gentleman investigated for persistent neutropaenia following two episodes of pneumonia. Specialist investigations led to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) producing a truncated monoclonal gamma(3) heavy chain (HC) immunoglobulin molecule unattached to a light chain (LC) with atypical features for both MM and HC disease. Western blot showed gamma 3HC was truncated with a large deletion (75 kDa). Flow cytometry of the bone marrow aspirate revealed an unusual staining pattern. This plasma cell dyscrasia was also unusual in that a subpopulation (30%) secreted large quantities of free LC (FLC) as well as truncated IgG HC. This is the first description, investigation and treatment of MM with a plasma cell population producing truncated gamma 3HC and kappa FLC M-proteins and illustrates a number of unique immunological and clinical features. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 158-161 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Acta Haematologica |
Volume | 123 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Apr 2010 |
Keywords
- Heavy chain disease
- Light chains
- Truncation in heavy chains
- Multiple myeloma
- Immunoglobulins