Does Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia also cause bone destruction? A rare case report

Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare type of malignant B-cell lymphoma. The main feature of WM is elevated serum monoclonal immunoglobulin M, similar to multiple myeloma (MM). Unlike in MM, the rarity of destructive bone lesions in WM has been repeatedly emphasized. We report a unique case...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jun-Ming Lin, Xiao-Jun Yuan, Lu Zhang, Guang Li, Xin-rong Gan, Wen-Hua Xu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2022-04-01
Series:Journal of International Medical Research
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/03000605221096161
Description
Summary:Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare type of malignant B-cell lymphoma. The main feature of WM is elevated serum monoclonal immunoglobulin M, similar to multiple myeloma (MM). Unlike in MM, the rarity of destructive bone lesions in WM has been repeatedly emphasized. We report a unique case of WM with a vertebral compression fracture as the first symptom. This case highlights that the presence or absence of bone destruction may not clearly distinguish between WM and MM. The possibility of WM should be considered in patients with vertebral fracture and destruction as the first presentation. Performing vertebral bone marrow aspiration biopsy during percutaneous vertebroplasty is a convenient and effective method to assist in the diagnosis of WM.
ISSN:1473-2300