A Rare Case of Nonsecretory Multiple Myeloma in Lagos, Nigeria: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell disorder associated with clonal proliferation of plasma cells. Nonsecretory multiple myeloma (NSMM) is a rare variant of MM and accounts for approximately 1% to 5% of all cases. It is defined as symptomatic myeloma without detectable monoclonal immunoglobulin on serum or urine electrophoresis. This variant usually poses a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. We present a 60-year-old Nigerian man who was investigated extensively for bone pain, weight loss, and anaemia. He was eventually diagnosed as having nonsecretory multiple myeloma based on histology and immunohistochemistry results of bone marrow trephine biopsy. He is currently being managed with bortezomib, doxorubicin, and thalidomide, as well as zoledronic acid. He is also on anticoagulation. He continues to show remarkable clinical improvement. We describe this case report and literature review for better awareness amongst medical practitioners and pathologists.

Nonsecretory Multiple Myeloma Presenting as Recurrent Vertebral Compression Fractures in an Older Male Patient

“…Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell disorder characterized by the proliferation of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow. 1) Nonsecretory multiple myeloma (NSMM) is a rare variant of MM first described in the 1950s, which accounts for approximately 1% to 5% of myeloma cases. 2) NSMM is a symptomatic myeloma characterized by the absence of detectable monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) in the serum or urine on electrophoresis.…”