Journal of Medical Case Reports (Oct 2018)

Multiple myeloma presenting as cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis and eosinophilia disclosing a T helper type 1/T helper type 2 imbalance: a case report

  • Satoko Oka,
  • Kazuo Ono,
  • Masaharu Nohgawa

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-018-1857-y
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 1
pp. 1 – 6

Abstract

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Abstract Background Multiple myeloma is a very heterogeneous disease comprising a number of genetic entities that differ from each other in their evolution, mode of presentation, response to therapy, and prognosis. Due to its more chronic nature and cumulative toxicities that patients develop from multiple lines of treatments, a number of symptoms are associated with multiple myeloma. However, the mechanisms responsible for the relationship between these symptoms and multiple myeloma currently remain unclear. Case presentation An 85-year-old Japanese woman exhibited the rare presentation of multiple myeloma (immunoglobulin kappa chain type) with leukocytoclastic vasculitis and eosinophilia. The serum level of interferon-γ was decreased; however, serum levels of interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor growth factor-β levels were elevated. She received a bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone regimen. After one course of the treatment, the cutaneous manifestation rapidly improved and laboratory tests showed decrease of eosinophil cell count. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G decreased and plasma cells in bone marrow decreased. The serum level of interferon-γ was elevated and serum levels of interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor growth factor-β decreased. Conclusions It is the first case of leukocytoclastic vasculitis and eosinophilia in multiple myeloma that was associated with a T helper type 1/T helper type 2 imbalance and T regulatory cells, and was successfully treated with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone. The present case reinforces the value of early evaluations for paraneoplastic symptoms in order to reach a diagnosis and allow for the prompt initiation of appropriate treatments and achieve successful therapeutic management.

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