[Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma with CD138 shedding and formation of extramedullary disease in the common bile duct region presenting as obstructive jaundice].

A 56-year-old man was diagnosed with immunoglobulin (Ig) A-κ multiple myeloma in July 2007. After three courses of vincristine, adriamycin, and dexamethasone (VAD) chemotherapy, autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation was performed and achieved a very good partial response. In February 2010, an increase in the M-protein concentration and plasmacytoma in the L3/4 lumbar vertebrae were observed, and radiation treatment was performed. This was followed by administrations of bortezomib, lenalidomide, and thalidomide, none of which achieved a good response. In November 2011, the patient presented with obstructive jaundice, and imaging tests revealed tumorous lesions in the lower bile duct region and bilateral kidneys. Plasmacytoma was diagnosed from biopsy of the right renal mass. Radiotherapy to the common bile duct tumor resulted in jaundice amelioration, but the patient died despite subsequent treatment efforts. Autopsy revealed multiple extramedullary lesions in the abdominal cavity and in the region around the common bile duct. CD138 shedding was observed in the myeloma cells. We include a discussion of the literature on CD138 shedding and 38 reports of obstructive jaundice associated with extramedullary disease.