Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy: A Rare Presentation of Relapsed Multiple Myeloma

J Hematol. 2023 Jun;12(3):128-132. doi: 10.14740/jh1097. Epub 2023 Apr 30.

Abstract

Hyperammonemia is a rare cause of encephalopathy in multiple myeloma in the absence of hepatic involvement. This is the only reported case of a 74-year-old man who presented with multiple myeloma and achieved complete remission but developed hyperammonemia afterward. He was aggressively treated with a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with a resolution of his encephalopathy; however, within one month, he relapsed with encephalopathy. He ultimately decided to pursue comfort-care measures. The authors conclude that hyperammonemia in multiple myeloma is a rare but important differential in patients with encephalopathy of unknown causes. Aggressive treatment is of the utmost importance due to the high mortality associated with the condition.

Keywords: Encephalopathy; Hyperammonemia; Multiple myeloma; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports