Manifestations of Myeloma
Overview
- MGUS and smouldering myeloma by definition do not manifest clinically. Multiple myeloma presents classically with hypercalcaemia, renal dysfunction, anaemia and lytic bony lesions (denoted by the acronym CRAB); myeloma should be suspected in patients with any of these manifestations without any other clear cause.
Manifestations of Multiple Myeloma
Classical (CRAB)
- Calcium - hypercalcaemia
- Renal failure (multifactorial) - due to cast nephropathy, glomerular light chain deposition, hypercalcaemia, amyloidosis
- Anaemia - normocytic, normochromic
- Bone lesions - lytic lesions, due to osteoclastic change
Other
- Hyperviscosity syndrome - due to hypergammaglobulinaemia
- Amyloidosis - GI, cardiac, hepatic, renal, muscular or nerve infiltration
- Recurrent infections - due to relative hypogammaglobulinaemia
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