Encefalite herpética associada a mieloma múltiplo: desafio diagnóstico / Herpetic encephalitis associated with multiple myeloma: a diagnostic challenge

O mieloma múltiplo é a segunda neoplasia onco-hematológica mais comum, correspondendo a 1% das neoplasias malignas. Trata-se de uma condição subdiagnosticada, assim como a encefalite herpética. Entretanto, é comum a relação do mieloma com infecções, em decorrência do acometimento da imunidade humoral. A encefalite viral herpética tem como principal agente o vírus do herpes simples 1. O caso foi descrito baseado em um raciocínio clínico, visando contribuir para uma melhor caracterização do quadro clínico e do diagnóstico de duas entidades clínicas que possuem baixa suspeição diagnóstica e elevada morbimortalidade. Durante o curso da investigação, foram propostas variadas etiologias como responsáveis pelo rebaixamento do nível de consciência, levando a uma pesquisa de um espectro mais amplo de hipóteses diagnósticas, as quais precederam a confirmação do diagnóstico final. O quadro clínico atípico descrito apresentou obstáculos à suspeição diagnóstica correta, pois a ausência dos sinais e sintomas característicos de ambas as doenças levaram à pesquisa de um arsenal mais amplo de diagnósticos diferenciais. Assim, o atraso no diagnóstico e o início tardio do tratamento foram fatores que contribuíram para o prognóstico reservado do paciente. A associação dessas doenças é pouco descrita na literatura, de modo que mais estudos acerca do assunto se fazem necessários. (AU)

Multiple myeloma is the second most common onco-hematologic neoplasm, accounting for 1% of malignant neoplasms. As herpetic encephalitis, it is an underdiagnosed condition. However, the relation of myeloma with infections is common, due to the involvement of humoral immunity. Herpetic encephalitis has as its main etiological agent the herpes simplex virus 1. The case was described based on a clinical reasoning, aiming to contribute to a better characterization of the clinical picture and diagnosis of two entities that have low rates of diagnostic suspicion and high rates of morbidity and mortality. During the course of investigation, several etiologies were proposed as responsible for the decreased level of consciousness, leading to a search for a broader range of diagnostic hypotheses, which preceded confirmation of the final diagnosis. The atypical clinical picture described presented obstacles to the correct diagnostic suspicion, as the absence of symptoms and signs characteristic of both diseases led to the search for a broader arsenal of differential diagnoses. Thus, delayed diagnosis and late treatment were factors that contributed to the patient's reserved prognosis. The association of these diseases is poorly described in the literature, so further studies on that subject are required. (AU)

Artritis séptica de la rodilla como forma de presentación de mieloma múltiple / Septic Arthritis of the Knee as a Presentation of Multiple Myeloma

RESUMEN Introducción: El mieloma múltiple constituye una proliferación maligna de las células plasmáticas derivadas de un solo clon. El tumor, sus productos y la respuesta del paciente ocasionan diversos trastornos funcionales orgánicos y síntomas como dolores óseos o fracturas, insuficiencia renal, predisposición a infecciones, anemia, hipercalcemia y, en ocasiones, trastornos de la coagulación, síntomas neurológicos y manifestaciones vasculares de hiperviscosidad. Objetivo: Presentar un caso infrecuente teniendo en cuenta que la infección aguda como forma de presentación inicial de mieloma es poco usual. Presentación del caso: Se presenta un caso de un paciente de 61 años de edad, ingresado en el servicio de ortopedia en tres ocasiones diferentes y operado de artritis séptica de la rodilla izquierda en estas tres oportunidades. Se mantuvieron los elementos inflamatorios locales a nivel de la articulación, fiebre recurrente, anemia y eritrosedimentación acelerada. Conclusiones: Los estudios hematológicos específicos confirmaron el diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple. Se comenzó tratamiento de inducción a la remisión para esta enfermedad con melfalán y prednisona; se logró mejoría del cuadro infeccioso al concluir el primer ciclo de esta intervención terapéutica(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Multiple myeloma constitutes a malignant proliferation of plasma cells derived from a single clone. The tumor, its products, and the patient's response cause various organic functional disorders and symptoms such as bone pain or fractures, kidney failure, predisposition to infections, anemia, hypercalcemia, and sometimes coagulation disorders, neurological symptoms, and vascular manifestations of hyperviscosity. Objective: To present a rare case, taking into account that acute infection as the initial presentation of myeloma is unusual. Case report: We report a case of a 61-year-old patient, admitted to the orthopedic service on three different occasions and operated on for septic arthritis of the left knee, in every occasions. The local inflammatory elements at the joint level, recurrent fever, anemia and accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation were still present. Conclusions: Specific hematological studies confirmed the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Induction-to-remission treatment for this disease was started with melphalan and prednisone; improvement of the infection was achieved at the conclusion of the first cycle of this therapeutic intervention(AU)

Trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos autólogo en gammapatías monoclonales: primeros resultados del Hospital "Hermanos Ameijeiras" / Autologous stem cell transplantation in monoclonal gammopathies: first results from the "Hermanos Ameijeiras" Hospital

Introducción: Los avances en el manejo del mieloma múltiple (MM) durante los últimos años incluyen la incorporación del trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos autólogo (TPHa) a la estrategia de tratamiento de estos pacientes. Objetivo: Dar a conocer los primeros resultados en el hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras (HHA) con la aplicación del TPHa en pacientes con gammapatías monoclonales (GM), empleando las altas dosis de melfalán (AD-Mel) como tratamiento acondicionante (TA) y su impacto en la sobrevida global (SG). Métodos: Se hizo un estudio retrospectivo de todos los pacientes con GM sometidos a TPHa en el Servicio de Hematología del HHA en el período comprendido entre 2009 y 2018. La muestra final comprendió 14 casos. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 53,5 años; la mayoría tenía como diagnóstico MM (85,7 por ciento) y todos ellos debutaron en estadio III de Durie-Salmon; como TA el 64,2 por ciento recibió AD-mel, en dosis de 200 mg/m2. La recuperación de las cifras de neutrófilos y plaquetas ocurrieron como promedio a los 11,4 y 12 días, respectivamente. La mortalidad relacionada con el trasplante (MRT) al día +30 fue del 7,1 por ciento. La probabilidad de SG a los 2 años fue superior al 90 por ciento y a los 5 años del 68 por ciento. Conclusiones: Se comprobó que la realización del TPHa con el empleo de AD-Mel como TA en pacientes con GM es un proceder realizable en nuestro país con una MRT relativamente baja. Se logró demostrar que la inclusión del TPH en el tratamiento mejora considerablemente las expectativas de sobrevida de estos pacientes(AU)

Introduction: The recent advances in the management of multiple myeloma (MM) during the last years have included the autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) to the treatment strategy of these patients. Objective: To present the first results in the Hermanos Ameijeiras hospital (HAH) with the application of auto-HSCT in patients with monoclonal gammopathies (MG) using high doses of melphalan (HD-Mel) as conditioning regimen (CR) and its impacton overall survival (OS). Methods: A retrospective study of all patients with MG who underwent auto-HSCT in the Hematology Service of the HAH in the period between 2009 and 2018 wasmade. The final sample comprised 14 cases. Results: The average age was 53.5 years; the majority had diagnosis of MM (85.7percent) and all of them were diagnosed in stage III of Durie-Salmon; as CR 64.2 percent received HD-mel, at 200 mg/m2. The recovery of neutrophil and platelet counts occurred on average at 11.4 and 12 days respectively. Transplant related mortality (TRM) at day +30 was 7.1 percent. The probability of OS at 2 years was higher than 90 percent and at 5 years of 68 percent. Conclusions: It was verified that the performance of auto-HSCT with the use of HD-Mel as CR in patients with MG is a feasible procedure in our country with a relatively low TRM. It was possible to demonstrate that the inclusion of auto-HSCT in the treatment considerably improves the survival expectations of these patients(AU)

Trasplante de médula ósea alogénico en un paciente con fusariosis diseminada y leucemia mieloide aguda / Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in a patient with disseminated fusariosis and acute myeloid leukemia

La infección diseminada por Fusarium se ha convertido en un problema creciente en las personas con neoplasias hematológicas malignas, principalmente en pacientes con leucemias agudas; se describen cada vez más casos en aquellos sometidos a un trasplante de médula ósea. No existe un tratamiento óptimo establecido para la fusariosis diseminada. La mortalidad global comunicada de esta infección oscila entre el 50 y el 80%. Se presenta a continuación el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 29 años, con diagnóstico de leucemia mieloide aguda, que presenta como complicación una fusariosis diseminada, y logra sobrellevar un trasplante alogénico de médula ósea en el Hospital Italiano de San Justo (Argentina) de forma exitosa. (AU)

Disseminated fusariosis has become an increasing problem in people with hematopoietic neoplasms, mainly in patients affected by acute leukemias, and even more in those who undergo hematopoietic cell transplantation. There is not an optimal treatment for disseminated fusariosis. The global mortality described in the literature is between 50% and 80%. We introduce a case of a 29 year old patient with diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia complicated with disseminated fusariosis, who copes with an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with a successful outcome in the "Hospital Italiano de San Justo" (Argentina). (AU)

Plasmocitoma extramedular: una rara causa de masa mediastínica / Extramedullary mediastinal plasmacytoma: report of one case

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytomas represent 3% of plasma cell neoplasms. Their most common locations are the upper gastrointestinal and respiratory tract. We report a 70-year-old male presenting with progressive dyspnea and cough. A chest radiography showed widened mediastinum. Chest computed tomography showed a mediastinal mass. A bronchoscopy showed an extrinsic compression and complete occlusion of the primary bronchus. A self-expandable prosthesis was installed in left bronchus. A population of plasmacytoid cells was evidenced in the mass biopsy. Immunohistochemistry revealed CD20+ and CD138+. These tumor cells stained positively for lambda light chains, but negatively for kappa chains. Therefore an extramedullary plasmacytoma was diagnosed. A multiple myeloma was discarded with a normal blood count, serum calcium and creatinine levels. Serum protein electrophoresis had a monoclonal spike, serum IgG was 1963 mg/dl. Bone marrow aspiration had 1% of plasma cells. Bone x-rays were normal. Computed tomographies of the neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis ruled out other plasmacytomas. Eight cycles of chemotherapy with thalidomide, melphalan and prednisone were indicated, obtaining complete remission of the tumor. The review of the literature shows that mediastinal extramedullary plasmacytomas are extremely rare. They generally appear in men aged between 50 and 60 years. The treatment of choice is radiotherapy, but given the location in the present case, chemotherapy was considered the best option. Recurrence is approximately 10 to 30% and 10% of patients progress to myeloma, thus requiring close monitoring.

Clinical assessment of 252Californium neutron intracavitary brachytherapy using a two-channel Y applicator combined with external beam radiotherapy for endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of 252Californium neutron intracavitary brachytherapy using a two-channel Y applicator combined with external beam radiotherapy for the treatment of endometrial cancer. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with stage I-III endometrial cancer were recruited for this study. The stage I patients received only 252Californium neutron intracavitary brachytherapy with a two-channel applicator. The stage II and III patients received both 252Californium neutron intracavitary brachytherapy using a two-channel applicator and parallel-opposed whole pelvic radiotherapy. RESULTS: The five-year local control rate was 80.6% (25/31), the overall survival rate was 51.6% (16/31), and the disease-free survival rate was 54.8% (17/31). The incidence of serious late complications was 12.9% (4/31). CONCLUSIONS: 252Californium neutron intracavitary brachytherapy using a two-channel applicator combined with external beam radiotherapy was effective for treating endometrial cancer and the incidence of serious late complications related to this combination was within an acceptable range.

Sospecha diagnóstica de mieloma múltiple en atención primaria: reporte de un caso / Multiple myeloma suspected in primary care: case report

Introducción: El mieloma múltiple (MM) es una neoplasia hematológica caracterizada por una proliferación clonal de células plasmáticas que genera una disfunción multiorgánica, con daño a nivel óseo, siendo una importante causa de morbimortalidad en estos pacientes. Presentación del caso: Mujer de 69 años, hipertensa tratándose con enalapril hace 10 años, operada de un prolapso genital en el año 2015, con antecedentes de fallecimiento de un hijo a los 30 años por un cáncer no especificado, refirió cuadro de un año de evolución caracterizado por oligoartralgias en extremidades inferiores, con predominio derecho, además de baja de peso de aproximadamente 5 kg en 4 meses. En atención primaria se solicitó exámenes que revelaron anemia moderada normocítica-normocrómica y velocidad de eritrosedimentación de 125 mm/hora, por lo cual, se derivó a Hospital de Puerto Montt. Durante hospitalización, se realizó biopsia de médula ósea que informó células plasmáticas que representaban más del 90% de los elementos medulares evaluables. Electroforesis de proteínas en sangre destacó banda de aspecto monoclonal en zona gamma de 7.9 g/dl. Frotis de eritrocitos con rouleaux positivo, proteínas totales de 13.1 g/dl y calcio corregido de 10.6 mg/dl. Se confirmó MM, iniciándose tratamiento con talidomida, melfalán y prednisona, además de bifosfonato y analgesia, con controles mensuales en policlínico de Hematología. Discusión: El MM es una enfermedad incurable, por ello el diagnóstico precoz en atención primaria es fundamental para dirigir los esfuerzos terapéuticos hacia la remisión de la enfermedad y mejoría de la calidad de vida.

ntroduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological neoplasm characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells that generates multiple organ dysfunction, with bone damage, which it's an important cause of mortality in these patients. Case report: F69 year old woman with hypertension treated with enalapril from 10 years ago, with history of a genital prolapse surgery in 2015, and refers the death of a 30 years old son for an unspecified cancer. She had a 1 year evolution of symptoms characterized by oligoartralgias in lower extremities, predominantly right, in addition to 5 kg weight loss in 4 months. In Primary Care tests were requested, showing: moderate anemia normocytic- normocromic, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 125 mm/hour. Then, she was referred to Hospital of Puerto Montt to complete the study. Hospitalized, bone marrow biopsy was performed and showed more tan 90% of plasma cells. Blood protein electrophoresis, showed monoclonal band in gamma zone of 7.9 g/dl. Smears erythrocyte rouleaux positive, measurement of total proteins of 13.1 g/dl, corrected calcium of 10.6 mg/dl. MM suspicion was confirmed, starting treatment with thali-domide, melphalan and prednisone plus bisphosphonate and analgesia, with monthly checks of hematology polyclinic. Discussion: The MM is an incurable disease, so early diagnosis in Primary Care is essential to direct therapeutic efforts toward disease remission and improved quality of life.

A Combination of Melphalan, Prednisone, and 50 mg Thalidomide Treatment in Non-Transplant-Candidate Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The clinical efficacy and safety of a three-drug combination of melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide were assessed in patients with multiple myeloma who were not candidates for high-dose therapy as a first-line treatment. Because the side effects of thalidomide at a dose of > or = 100 mg daily can be a barrier to effective treatment for these patients, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of a reduced dose of thalidomide, 50 mg, for non-transplant candidates. METHODS: Twenty-one patients were treated in 4-week cycles, receiving 4 mg/m2 melphalan and 40 mg/m2 prednisone on days 1-7 and 50 mg thalidomide daily. The primary efficacy outcome was the overall response rate. Aspirin (100 mg daily) was also provided as prophylactic treatment for thromboembolism. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 57.1%; a complete response was seen in 23.8% of patients, a partial response in 33.3%, and stable disease in 9.5%. After a median follow-up time of 16.1 months, the median time to progression was 11.4 months (95% confidence interval, 2.1 to 20.6); the median overall survival was not reached. Grades 3 and 4 adverse events included infection (10%), peripheral neuropathy (5%), diarrhea (5%), thrombosis (10%), and loss of consciousness (10%). Two patients discontinued treatment due to loss of consciousness and neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose thalidomide (50 mg) plus melphalan and prednisone is an effective combination drug therapy option for newly diagnosed myeloma patients who are ineligible for high-dose chemotherapy.

A rare case of plasma cell leukemia in a 35 year old.

Plasma cell leukemia is a rare, aggressive form of multiple myeloma. A 35-year-old male presented with backache, generalized weakness, and facial puffiness. His complete blood count showed anemia and a high WBC count with atypical cells on peripheral smear. Bone marrow examination showed more than 90% of atypical plasma cells, confirming a diagnosis of plasma cell leukemia. Patient also had azotemia, hypercalcemia, and hyperuricemia. The patient was started on chemotherapy along with supportive care. Patient improved dramatically and he was discharged on regular follow-up.

Elevated fructosamine concentrations caused by IgA paraproteinemia in two dogs

An 8-year-old male Austrian Pinscher and a 14-year-old male Golden Retriever were presented for evaluation due to unexplainable high fructosamine values despite euglycemia and epistaxis in combination with polydipsia/polyuria, respectively. Blood analysis revealed severe hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia and markedly elevated fructosamine concentrations in both dogs. Multiple myeloma with IgA-monoclonal gammopathy was diagnosed by serum and urine electrophoresis including immunodetection with an anti-dog IgA antibody and bone marrow aspirations. Diabetes mellitus was excluded by repeated plasma and urine glucose measurements. Fructosamine values were positively correlated with globulin, but negatively correlated with albumin concentrations. These cases suggest that, as in human patients, monoclonal IgA gammopathy should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis for dogs with high fructosamine concentrations.

A concurrence of light and heavy chain deposition disease and diabetic nephropathy.

A 56-year-old female patient was clinically characterized by heavy proteinuria, anemia, hypertension, and no detectable monoclonal protein in serum or urine. She had a history of diabetes with retinopathy and hypertension. Histological investigation of renal biopsy specimens revealed nodular glomerulosclerosis. Light microscopic examination did not allow discrimination between diabetic glomerulosclerosis and monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD). Immunofluorescent examination showed linear capillary wall and tubular basement membrane staining with kappa, and IgG staining. Electron-microscopic examination confirmed the amorphous material along the glomerular basement. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of light chain and heavy chain monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (LHCDD) and diabetic nephropathy was made. At the present after the 7th course of melphalan and prednisolone treatment, her renal function and proteinuria have progressively improved.

Síndrome de lisis de glóbulos blancos después de un trasplante autólogo de células troncales hematopoyéticas en el tratamiento de la amiloidosis AL renal: Caso clínico / White blood cell lysis syndrome after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in the treatment of renal AL amyloidosis: Case report

The treatment of AL amyloidosis was not successful until the advent of myeloablative chemotherapy consisting of high-dose intravenous melphalan followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. This new treatment has achieved better survival rates and, remarkably, it has obtained complete remission. Among patients with renal involvement, achievement of a complete hematological response was associated with a 50% reduction in proteinuria and stable creatinine clearance in more than 2/3 of patients. Despite of these excellent results, this new therapy is associated with significant toxicity, including the development of acute renal failure due to white blood cell lysis syndrome. We report a 59 year-old female with a nephrotic syndrome due to primary amyloidosis successfully treated autologous stem cell transplantation who developed acute renal failure caused by white blood cell lysis syndrome. The patient required treatment with granulocytic colony stimulating factor and intermittent hemofiltration and was discharged 23 days after melphalan administration with a satisfactory renal function and white blood cell count. After one year of follow up, she maintains a good glomerular filtration rate, a proteinuria of less than, 1 g/day and normal hematological values.

Primary systemic amyloidosis.

We report here a case of a 35-year-old male who presented with multi-system disease, which on evaluation was found to be due to primary systemic amyloidosis. We present the myriad manifestations of this uncommon disease entity.

Multiple myeloma with amyloidosis presenting with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.

We report a 45-year-old woman who presented with hematemesis. Endoscopy showed nodular lesions and ulcers in the gastric antrum; histology of the lesions showed amyloidosis. The patient had received melphalan and prednisolone for multiple myeloma 5 years earlier.

High Dose Therapy Followed by Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation as a First Line Treatment for Multiple Myeloma: a Korean Multicenter Study

We conducted a phase II multicenter trial to estimate the response and survival of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma to high dose melphalan therapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Eligible patients who had undergone induction with vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone (VAD) should have adequate cardiac, pulmonary and renal function (creatinine <2 mg/dL). Melphalan at 200 mg/m2 was used as a conditioning regimen. Eighty patients were enrolled from 13 centers. The median age of the patients was 53 yr (range; 20 to 68 yr). The initial stage was IA/IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB in 3/8/1/54/14 patients, respectively. Beta2-microglobulin, CRP and LDH were increased in 74, 42 and 34% of the patients examined. Cytogenetic data were available in 30 patients, and 6 patients showed numeric or structural abnormalities. Two therapy-related mortalities occurred from infection. Among the 78 evaluable patients, CR/PR/MR/NC/PD were achieved in 48/26/2/1/1patients, respectively. After a median follow-up of 30 months, the median overall and event-free survivals were 66 months (95% CI: 20-112) and 24 months (95% CI: 18-29), respectively. This study verifies the efficacy and feasibility of high dose melphalan therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

The Efficacy of High-dose Melphalan with Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Although high-dose therapy (HDT) with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is widely accepted as an effective and safe consolidation therapy for multiple myeloma (MM), few reports on its efficacy are available in Korea. We present the results of a prospective phase II study, involving 33 patients with MM treated with HDT with ASCT. The treatment consisted of 4 courses of VAD (vincristine, adriamycin, dexamethasone) induction, peripheral blood stem cell collection, and high-dose melphalan with stem cell infusion. The overall response rate was 93%, with 45% of patients having complete responses. The toxicity was predictable and tolerable. With a median follow-up of 27.6 months, the 2-year event free survival rate was 43%. At the time of writing, the median overall survival duration had not been reached with 2-year survival and projected 3-year survival rates of 81% and 74%, respectively. The overall survival was significantly better than that of the historical control patients (N=82) treated with conventional chemotherapy at our institution. The results suggest that HDT with ASCT is a valuable first or second-line treatment for patients with MM.

Mieloma múltiplo com pico monoclonal na fraçäo beta / Multiple myeloma with a monoclonal peak at beta-globulin fraction: case report

É relatado o caso de um paciente idoso, com quadro agudo de dorsalgia e dasabamento da sétima vértebra torácica, cuja eletroforese de proteínas séricas demonstrava um pico monoclonal na fraçäo beta-globulinas, achado pouco freqüente, encontrado em apenas 10 por cento dos casos de mieloma múltiplo. O paciente foi submetido a uma punçäo aspirativa de medula óssea via esternal. No mielograma observou-se 70 por cento de plasmócitos isolados e agregados, alguns displásicos e binucleados, compatível com mieloma múltiplo. Iniciou-se quimioterapia em janeiro de 2000, com Alkeran e Prednisona, tendo o paciente rapidamente apresentado melhora clínico-laboratorial.