DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2023.v11i03.021

Pages: 332-336

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a monoclonal proliferation of mature plasma cells. It usually occurs in people over 50 years of age with a peak in frequency at 65 years of age and less than 2% of patients are under 40 years of age. Case presentation: This case report is of a 38 year old black African woman with chronic kidney disease stage 5D. The IR was of glomerular origin (hypertension for 2 years, proteinuria at 4 g/24 hours, oedematous syndrome). Serum protein electrophoresis showed a beta peak at 29.7 g/l and urine protein immunoelectrophoresis showed a kappa/lambda ratio of 8.4. The myelogram showed a rich marrow with 51% plasma cells. Radiography showed multiple cystic images at the upper 1/3 of the left humeral shaft. Renal histology showed minimal glomerular damage. The diagnostic profile of IgG kappa light chain MM with CRAB criteria complicated by chronic glomerulonephritis with unorganised monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits was suggested. Management consisted of chemotherapy with bortezomib and dexamethasone for 4 cycles. The evolution under chronic dialysis was favourable after 1 year. Conclusion: MM in young adults (defined as 19-40 years of age) is rare, but it does exist. In young patients, this condition is initially not considered in the differential diagnosis and the occurrence of IR has a strong prognostic impact. Survival seems to be better in young adults than in elderly patients, which needs to be proven by a longer follow-up.