Myeloma and Plasma Cell Dyscrasias Flashcards
What are immunoglobulins composed of?
2 heavy chains and 2 light chains
Which immunoglobulins ae monomers?
IgD
IgE
IgG
Which immunoglobulins are dimers?
IgA
Which immunoglobulins are pentamers?
IgM
Where are B cells produced?
bone marrow
What becomes the antigen binding site on the immunoglobulin?
Random selection of V D and J genes
Where do B cells travel to get antigens?
Follicle germinal centre of the lymph node
What is found in the pale perinuclear area of a plasma cell?
Golgi apparatus
Describe the nucleus of a plasma cell
Clock-face
Which scenarios would cause a polyclonal increase in immunoglobulins?
Infection
Autoimmunity
Malignancy
Liver disease
Give examples of causes of paraproteinaemia?
MGUS Amyloidosis Myeloma Lymphoma CLL
How are immunoglobulins detected in the blood?
Electrophoresis
Immunofixation
What is a Bence-Jones protein?
Kappa free immunoglobulin light chain
Where are Bence-Jones proteins found in myeloma?
Urine
Outline the pathogenesis in multiple myeloma
Uncontrolled overproduction of one immunoglobulin which pushes out other healthy cells from the bone marrow
What is a paraprotein?
Abnormal immunoglobulin light chain produced by abnormal immunoglobulin
Why are lytic lesions found in myeloma?
Abnormal immunoglobulins activate osteoclasts through IL-6
What is the most common myeloma?
IgG
What is the second most common myeloma?
IgA
How does myeloma present?
HyperCalcaemia Renal failure Anaemia Bone pain (CRAB)