부산대학교 도서관

Introduction Multiple myeloma is a malignant tumour characterised by monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells. It affects mostly elderly males manifesting with destructive bone and soft tissue lesions and sometimes with [...]
Multiple myeloma represents an autonomous proliferation of plasma cells. It affects mostly elderly males. Involvement can be localised or diffuse, the latter having a poorer prognosis. Metastases and disease recurrence can occur even after treatment is instituted, making lifetime surveillance a requirement. Orbital involvement is a recognised but rare presentation of the disease. Diagnosis is made by the demonstration of bony or soft tissue lesions on imaging and histopathological confirmation after biopsy. Further investigations to look for evidence of systemic involvement should always be performed. This information will guide the clinician as to the type of treatment required and also determine the prognosis for disease. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can be lifesaving. In this case report we discuss an elderly black African male presenting to the eye clinic, with a short history of painful left proptosis. After thorough investigation, a diagnosis of diffuse multiple myeloma was confirmed and treatment commenced. As far as we are aware, this is the first case report of multiple myeloma presenting in the orbit in South Africa. Although rare, multiple myeloma should be considered as a possible cause for any elderly patient presenting to the ophthalmologist with proptosis. Keywords: multiple myeloma, plasmacytoma, orbit, proptosis Funding: No funding was received with regard to this study. Conflict of interest: There are no conflicts of interest to declare.