ABSTRACT
Plasmacytoma, an uncommon malignancy originating from plasma cells, predominantly manifests in the elderly demographic. However, its incidence among young adults remains infrequent. Herein, we present a case involving a 28-year-old young adult diagnosed with solitary bone plasmacytoma. The patient presented with acute exacerbation of chronic lower back pain of two years, which, upon hospitalization, was attributed to a lumbar spine compression fracture. Comprehensive blood analysis, imaging studies, and pathology assessments suggested the likelihood of solitary plasmacytoma, devoid of indicators characteristic of multiple myeloma (MM). The patient was given symptomatic treatment and underwent surgical spine decompression, followed by the commencement of radiation therapy to address the malignancy. Subsequent to radiotherapeutic intervention, a noteworthy amelioration in pain and overall condition was observed. This case report assumes importance due to the insight it provides into the natural progression of solitary plasmacytoma. Patients with pathological fractures warrant thorough assessment for solitary plasmacytoma, necessitating vigilant monitoring for its potential evolution into MM. This case serves as a pertinent illustration of the need to expand our existing knowledge of solitary bone plasmacytoma, moving beyond the conventional notion that it predominantly afflicts the elderly population.
ABSTRACT
Evans syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder where patients develop autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and less commonly immune neutropenia. Patients typically present with fatigue, pallor, jaundice, petechiae, or epistaxis. A 27-year-old man with a history of atopic dermatitis for which he recently began treatment with dupilumab presented to the emergency department with a headache and blurry vision. Multiple Roth spots were seen on fundoscopic examination. Laboratory studies were consistent with warm AIHA, confirmed by a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT), and severe thrombocytopenia. He was diagnosed with Evans syndrome. He was treated with corticosteroids, rituximab, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). His recovery was prolonged with the slow improvement of anemia and thrombocytopenia. This is an atypical presentation of Evans syndrome with isolated symptoms of new-onset blurry vision and headache along with the finding of Roth spots. Another interesting feature in the case is the recent use of dupilumab. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the T-helper cells type 2 (Th2) signaling pathway by blocking interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 binding. This alteration in the immune response could have a role in the development of Evans syndrome.