Multiple myeloma with pathologically proven skull plasmacytoma after a mild head injury: Case report

Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Sep;97(39):e12327. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000012327.

Abstract

Rationale: MM is a malignant tumor originating from the plasma cells of the bone marrow. Central nervous system myelomatosis is very rare and may be a complication of MM.

Patient concerns: A 60-year-old man presented with a slowly growing soft mass at his right frontal scalp after a mild head injury 6 months ago.

Diagnoses: Neuroradiological examinations revealed a solid intracranial-extracranial mass with an osteolytic lesion in the skull. Histopathological examination showed skull plasmacytoma, and postoperative examinations revealed multiple myeloma.

Interventions: The tumor was completely removed and the skull defect repaired with the titanium mesh. Then, chemotherapy was initiated after surgery with bortezomib and dexamethasone.

Outcomes: The patient received eight chemotherapies within one year after surgery.

Lessons: Despite a history of head injury, a differential diagnosis should be kept in mind during the diagnosis of solid intracranial-extracranial masses, especially in the presence of osteolytic skull at the lesioned site.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bortezomib / therapeutic use
  • Craniocerebral Trauma
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy
  • Plasmacytoma / drug therapy
  • Plasmacytoma / pathology*
  • Plasmacytoma / surgery
  • Skull / pathology
  • Skull Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skull Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skull Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Bortezomib
  • Dexamethasone