Abstract :
Plasma Cell Dyscrasias (PCD) by definition are represented by excessive proliferation of a single clone
of cells producing entire immunoglobulins, immunoglobulin fragments, heavy chains or light chains.
These encompass a wide range of disorders. In this study we try to discuss the clinical and pathological
characteristics of this rare but important group of hematological malignancies.
Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in a tertiary care centre retrospectively for a period
of four years. All the cases diagnosed with Plasma Cell Dyscrasias were selected. They were re-evaluated
taking into consideration clinical aspects, radiological findings and blood and bone marrow examinations.
These were further categorized using Salmon Durie Staging system.
Results: During this study a total of 41 cases fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of Plasma Cell Dyscrasias.
Among them 33 were newly diagnosed cases of Multiple Myeloma, 4 cases were of relapse and 4 were
of Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia’s. Males outnumbered females in our study. The most common
complaint was anemia (seen in 90% of cases) followed by lytic bone lesions and presence of M Band
on electrophoresis. Deranged Renal Function Test were seen in 45.94 % of cases and hypercalcemia 54
% cases. Maximum cases were of stage III Multiple Myeloma (14) and 9 among them showed renal
involvement as well.
Conclusion: Plasma Cell Dyscrasias are rare group of disorders, the diagnosis of which requires a
systematic approach. The clinicopathological characteristic of different types of Plasma Cell Dyscrasias
has varied presentations but Salmon Durie classification if applied carefully can help us to identify each
type, evaluate and manage patients in a better way.
Keyword :
Multiple myeloma, Plasma cell dyscrasia, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia.