Radiographic features of plasma cell leukemia in the maxilla: A case report

Imaging Sci Dent. 2016 Dec;46(4):273-278. doi: 10.5624/isd.2016.46.4.273. Epub 2016 Dec 20.

Abstract

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is an aggressive form of multiple myeloma where there is hematogenous spread of abnormal plasma cells into the periphery. This is opposed to multiple myeloma, where the abnormal plasma cells stay in the bone marrow. PCL is more common in males than females, and is also more common in African-Americans than Caucasians. Signs and symptoms of PCL include, but are not limited to, renal insufficiency, hypercalcemia, anemia, lytic bone lesions, thrombocytopenia, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Here, we discussed a case of a 71-year-old Caucasian female recently diagnosed with primary PCL with radiographic features of this disease throughout the body, with an emphasis on the maxillofacial skeleton and relevance from a dental standpoint.

Keywords: Leukemia, Plasma Cell; Pathology; Radiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports