Lambda light chain myeloma presenting as nodular hepatic lesion: a clinical rarity.

We report a case of a 63-year-old lady presenting with pain in the right hypochondrium, jaundice, anorexia, and firm tender hepatomegaly with remarkably high serum alkaline phosphatase. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic solid space-occupying lesion in right lobe of liver which was cytologically diagnosed as hepatic plasmacytoma. Serum and urine immunofixation electrophoresis, serum free light chain ratio, and bone marrow examination further confirmed the presence of lambda light chain multiple myeloma in the background. The patient achieved complete remission after four cycles of induction therapy with thalidomide and dexamethasone protocol and consolidated with further four cycles of the same regimen.

Tropical pyomyositis.

BACKGROUND: Tropical pyomyositis is characterized by suppuration within skeletal muscles, manifesting as single or multiple abscesses. Though primarily a disease of tropics, it is increasingly being reported from temperate regions in immunosuppressed patients. However, India has only few sporadic case reports. AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the causative organisms, clinical presentations, diagnostic modalities, treatment protocols and outcome data in tropical pyomyositis patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata over 3 years (July 2010 to June 2013). A total of 12 patients were diagnosed with tropical pyomyositis (confirmed with aspiration and culture of pus from muscle). All the investigation and treatment data were recorded systematically. RESULTS: The presenting feature was high fever and myalgia in all 12 patients. Quadriceps femoris was the most commonly involved muscle (50%); followed by iliopsoas (25%). Culture of the aspirate showed Staphylococcus aureus in nine patients (75%), Klebsiella pneumonia in one patient (8.33%) and no growth in two patients (16.67%) even after tubercular and fungal culture. CONCLUSIONS: Tropical pyomyositis can affect immune-competent individuals. S. aureus is the most commonly cultured organism. Immediate initiation of appropriate antibiotics and surgical debridement are required to avoid complications. The prognosis remains excellent if promptly treated.

Whistle from afar: a case of endotracheal metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer.

Endotracheal metastasis is a rare situation, usually associated with malignancies of breast and gastrointestinal tract, specially colon. Papillary carcinoma of thyroid commonly disseminates through lymphatic channels and tracheal involvement through vascular route is rarely reported. Here, we report a case of tracheal metastasis from papillary carcinoma of thyroid. The patient responded to external beam radiation therapy with cobalt 60 beams in a dose of 44 Gy followed by a 16 Gy boost. The patient is under followup and is presently asymptomatic. This paper adds to the repertoire of evidence in treatment of endotracheal metastasis.