J Korean Rheum Assoc.  2002 Dec;9(4):325-329.

A Case of Multiple Myeloma in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

• Lee SJ
• Lee SS
• Kim YA
• Park MJ
• Lee JJ
• Kim HJ

Abstract

It has been suggested that there is an increased risk of cancer in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), even when cytotoxic drugs are not used. The coincidence of plasma cell tumor and lupus nephritis has been documented in animal models, but multiple myeloma is rarely associated with SLE in humans. No case of multiple myeloma in SLE has been reported in Korea. We report a case of multiple myeloma in a patient with SLE. The patient was a 49-year-old woman, who had polyarthralgia for 2 years. Progressive, painful swelling in both elbow joints developed 3 months before admission. The diagnosis of SLE was based on the findings of nondeforming arthritis, neutropenia, and positive ANA and anti-Sm antibody. Laboratory studies showed hypergammaglobulinemia and an elevated serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G level. Serum protein electrophoresis disclosed an M spike and serum immunoelectrophoresis showed a monoclonal IgG lambda type. Bone marrow aspiration revealed 15% plasma cells. Therefore, we diagnosed this patient as having multiple myeloma and SLE simultaneously.

Keyword

Systemic lupus erythematosus; Multiple myeloma

MeSH Terms

Arthralgia
Arthritis
Bone Marrow
Diagnosis
Elbow Joint
Electrophoresis
Female
Humans
Hypergammaglobulinemia
Immunoelectrophoresis
Immunoglobulin G
Immunoglobulins
Korea
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic*
Lupus Nephritis
Middle Aged
Models, Animal
Multiple Myeloma*
Neutropenia
Plasma Cells
Plasmacytoma
Immunoglobulin G
Immunoglobulins