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

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.