Lecture 10 Plasma Cell Dyscrasias Flashcards
What are Plasma Cell Dyscrasias?
Group of disorders representing the differentiated end cells of B Lymphocytes, namely plasma cells and plasmacytoid lymphocytes. Referred to as a group of monoclonal gammopathies.
What does the term “monoclonal gammopathies” mean?
Monoclonal because cells in this disorder represent a single clone arising from a single abnormal parent cell.
Gammopathies because these abnormal cells produce an increased amount of immunoglobulin in the serum with the appearance of a narrow peak or spike during serum protein electrophoresis.
What is the most common plasma cell dyscrasias?
Multiple Myeloma
General FYI Info:
Affects older people (50-75yrs of age) with slightly higher percentage in males.
African-Americans twice as likely as whites to be affected.
Causes unknown with links to genetics, radiation and chronic antigenic stimuli possible causes.
When is the transformation to malignant cell thought to occur for Multiple Myeloma?
Transformation of malignant cell probably at stem cell level as malignant cells shown to express Pre-B Cell antigen CALLA (CD10).
What general surface markers do the Multiple Myeloma malignant cells show?
Malignant cells demonstrate megakaryocytic, myelomonocytic and erythroid surface markers.
*Where does clonal proliferation occur in Multiple Myeloma? And the result?
Clonal proliferation occurs in the bone marrow. Increased number of plasma cells.
Note: Similar to other Leukemias Plasma Cell Dyscrasias occurs as a bone marrow malignant transformation at the stem or progenitor stage since they demonstrate markers from all 3 cell lines. The end result is an abnormal proliferation of B (plasma) cells and products of B cells.
What do the plasma cells in Multiple Myeloma release in the bone marrow and the result?
Release osteclastic activating factor increasing the number of osteoclasts.
Leads to increased bone resorption, lytic bone lesions and later on bone fractures and collapse of vertebrae. In extreme cases spontaneous bone fractures.
What chemistry marker is indicative of Multiple Myeloma?
High plasma calcium due to the breakdown of bone is one of the important diagnostic markers of Multiple Myeloma.
What symptoms occur as a result of plasma tumor cells proliferating in the marrow in MM?
Crowding out normal cells leading to symptoms of anemia, infection and bleeding.
Anemia, renal dysfunction causing weakness and fatigue.
Where else can plasma cells infiltrate in MM?
Plasma cells can also infiltrate lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs.
Why do Multiple Myeloma patients suffer from increased risk of infection?
Increased risk of infection because of marked decrease in normal immunoglobulins.
Why can Multiple Myeloma sufferers have kidney damage?
Large amounts of low molecular weight Light chains (Bence-Jones protein) filtered and reabsorbed by kidney eventually damage nephron of kidney with resulting kidney damage without timely intervention.
What problems does amyloid deposition that occurs in Multiple Myeloma patients cause?
Amyloid deposition: composed of L-chains fragments produce protein deposits throughout the body with subsequent loss of organ (kidney, heart, liver) function. Occurs in approx 15% of patients.
Why can some Multiple Myeloma patients have bleeding disorders?
Some monoclonal proteins interfere with platelets and coagulation factors producing bleeding disorders. Results in bleeding due to thrombocytopenia and coagulation abnormalities.
What is the main symptom that Multiple Myeloma patients complain about?
Main complaint is skeletal pain.
Initial back pain with progression to severe pain with possible spontaneous bone fracture.
What are the lab findings in patients with Multiple Myeloma?
- Normocytic, normochromic anemia.
- Increased ESR with rouleaux formation.
- Macroscopic appearance of stained blood smear shows bluish tinge due to immunoglobulins.
- Differential may show slight neutropenia.
- Little or no evidence of plasma cells in early stage with few plasma or plasmacytoid lymphs in later stage
- Pancytopenia with leukoerythroblastic picture.
What % of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow is diagnostic of Multiple Myeloma?
More than 10% abnormal plasma cells in bone marrow important diagnostic criteria
What is the morphology of the abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow?
- Morphological variety of abnormal plasma cells from case to case.
- Cells may be large with immature chromatin or small with mature chromatin.
- Cytoplasm may be pale or dark.
- Multinucleated or lobulated nuclei may be present.
What factors are used for the classification of Multiple Myeloma?
For the proper classification of Multiple Myeloma:
1. Increased monoclonal protein,
2. Number of plasma cells and
3. Bone and organ involvement
See Table 34.6 on slide 12.
What are Dutcher bodies?
Cellular inclusions intranuclear bodies (Dutcher bodies)
What are Russell bodies?
Accumulation of immunoglobulins in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of the cytoplasm called Russell bodies.
What are Mott cells?
Cells with Russell bodies also called Mott cells.
What are flame cells?
Few IgA Myelomas demonstrate flame cells- so called because of reddish pink coloration in the cytoplasm of the cell. Ribosomal protein responsible for this appearance.
Why may routine urinalysis not detect increased globulins and L-chains?
Routine analysis may not detect the extent of proteinuria as sulfosalicyclic acid more sensitive to albumin than globulin and L-chains.
Is microscopic urine examination helpful to detect possible Multiple Myeloma?
Microscopic exam of urine may show hyaline casts and renal tubular epithelial cells in hyaline casts.
What are the best chemistry tests for detecting Multiple Myeloma?
- Protein electrophoresis in almost all cases demonstrates monoclonal immunoglobulin in both serum and urine.
- Bence-Jones protein present in urine only as glomerulus of kidney filters out serum.
What is the frequency in % of the various monoclonal bands seen in patients with Multiple Myeloma?
IgG: 50% of cases
IgA: 20% of cases
IgD and IgE: rare
L-chain only: 15% of cases
IgM: usually seen in Waldenstroms Macroglobulinemia although IgM myelomas have been described
What percentage of cases show light chains in urine for Multiple Myeloma patients? Which one is most typical?
80% of all cases of Multiple Myelomas show free Light chains in urine (more frequently kappa)
Why is hyperuricemia seen and increased serum calcium?
- Hyperuricemia from increase cell turnover. Hyperuricaemia or hyperuricemia is an abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood.
- Increased serum calcium from increased osteclastic activity.
What can X-ray show in patients of Multiple Myeloma?
X-ray usually show evidence of osteoporosis and skeletal lytic bone lesions.