Polycythaemia: an unusual presentation of multiple myeloma

BMJ Case Rep. 2016 Sep 20:2016:bcr2016216686. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-216686.

Abstract

In contrast to anaemia, polycythaemia is a distinctly uncommon finding in patients with multiple myeloma. We describe the presence of otherwise unexplained polycythaemia in a 57-year-old Caucasian man who was found to have IgG κ multiple myeloma. After treatment of myeloma, the polycythaemia resolved. We reviewed previous reports of polycythaemia associated with multiple myeloma and discuss potential pathophysiological mechanisms that link these 2 conditions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bortezomib / therapeutic use*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / complications*
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / drug therapy*
  • Polycythemia / drug therapy
  • Polycythemia / etiology*
  • Polycythemia / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Bortezomib