Plasma Cell Disorders

Flashcards created from lecture notes covering the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and lab diagnosis of plasma cell disorders.

What are plasma cell disorders characterized by?

Proliferation of a clone of plasma cells that secrete monoclonal immunoglobulin and/or light chains.

What is detected as a monoclonal spike on serum protein electrophoresis?

Immunoglobulin.

What are Bence Jones proteins?

Light chains excreted in the urine due to their small molecular weight.

What is the most common primary bone tumor?

Multiple myeloma.

What are common clinical findings in multiple myeloma?

Bone pain, hypercalcemia, renal failure, and increased risk of bacterial infections.

Which organisms are commonly associated with recurrent infections in multiple myeloma patients?

Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli.

What are 'punched out' lesions?

Lytic bone lesions characteristic of multiple myeloma.

What can cause hypercalcemia in patients with multiple myeloma?

Bone resorption due to factors from plasma cells.

What is the M spike?

A monoclonal immunoglobulin spike found on serum protein electrophoresis.

What are the two types of solitary plasmacytoma?

Osseous and extraosseous.

What characterizes monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)?

Presence of M protein without symptoms and plasma cells in bone marrow less than 3%.

What syndrome is associated with Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma?

Hyperviscosity syndrome.

What does an increased IgM level lead to in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia?

Increased blood viscosity, causing neurological issues and bleeding complications.

How do patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia differ from those with multiple myeloma?

They do not have lytic bone lesions, hypercalcemia, renal failure, or amyloidosis.