Extramedullary relapse of multiple myeloma presenting as hematemesis and melena

Nat Clin Pract Oncol. 2006 Apr;3(4):223-6; quiz 227. doi: 10.1038/ncponc0454.

Abstract

Background: A 60-year-old woman with multiple myeloma relapsed after a good partial response to high-dose chemotherapy (melphalan 200 mg/m(2)) and autologous stem-cell transplantation, followed by thalidomide and prednisolone maintenance therapy. She presented with hematemesis and melena following salvage chemotherapy with dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, cisplatin, and rescue therapy with single-agent bortezomib.

Investigations: Physical examination, laboratory investigations, gastroscopy, 2-[(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-PET (FDG-PET), breast biopsy and histology.

Diagnosis: Multifocal extramedullary relapse of multiple myeloma involving the stomach and duodenum.

Management: High-dose infusion of omeprazole, blood product support, palliative analgesics and anxiolytic agents.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hematemesis / diagnosis*
  • Hematemesis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Melena / diagnosis*
  • Melena / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy
  • Recurrence
  • Stem Cell Transplantation