[Effective measurement of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) with transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) for plasma cell leukemia with hyperviscosity syndrome].

ABSTRACT

A 67-year-old woman was admitted with impaired general performance, suffering from fatigue, chest oppression on exertion, and paresthesia of the finger trips. The laboratory findings showed increased white blood cells with abnormal cells, and serum immunofixation test showed monoclonal IgM kappa paraprotein. On flow cytometric immunophenotyping with CD38 gating, most of the abnormal cells expressed surface CD20, CD138, cytoplasmic IgM, but neither surface CD56 nor surface IgM. Immunohistochemical staining of abnormal cells was positive for surface CD38, surface CD20 and cytoplasmic IgM. The final diagnosis was plasma cell leukemia IgM kappa type. Electrocardiography (ECG) on admission showed ST depression in II, III, aV(F), V4, V5, and V6. Coronary angiography (CAG) is invasive and difficult for patients with renal failure, therefore the patient underwent transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE), which revealed reduced coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR). Two courses of VAD therapy were administered, then the condition improved, the serum IgM level decreased, abnormal cells were decreased in peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirates, and the creatinine levels improved. With the return of normal ECG findings and improved CFVR, the abnormal ECG and reduction in CFVR was thought to be associated with the hyperviscosity syndrome in PCL. Noninvasive assessment of CFVR by TTDE is significantly useful for the patients who have renal failure and need chemotherapy.