Multiple myeloma presenting as a pathological rib fracture in a primary health care center and its diagnostic challenges during the COVID 19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Multiple Myeloma commonly presents with a myriad of symptoms, signs and abnormal laboratory findings namely bone pains, pathological fractures, lytic bone lesions, anaemia, high ESR, hypercalcemia, raised globulin and presence of monoclonal band in serum/urine. Here, we present a 54-year-old gentleman whose initial presentation was a pathological rib fracture. However, review of his past medical history revealed gout (now asymptomatic) and abnormal laboratory findings that helped us to subsequently diagnose as Multiple Myeloma. The importance of simple investigations like ESR when managing patients with nonspecific symptoms in primary care, listening and looking for signals that suggest an alarming aetiology, following up of investigations and the continuity of care assured by the electronic medical record is highlighted by this case report. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Middle East Journal of Family Medicine is the property of Medi+WORLD International Pty. Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)