Epibulbar IgA plasmacytoma occurring in multiple myeloma

R. M. Franklin, K. R. Kenyon, W. R. Green, R. Saral and R. Humphrey

The ophthalmic manifestations of a 51-year-old man with multiple myeloma included exudative retinal detachments and multiple epibulbar plasmacytomas. The retinal changes resolved with treatment for systemic effects, and the IgA-producing plasmacytomas rapidly resolved with local irradiation. The young age of onset (37 years), the prolonged course (14 years), and the IgA M protein and epibulbar involvement were, collectively, unusual findings in multiple myeloma. The presence of epibulbar, gastrointestinal tract, and prostate involvement suggested a homing mechanism of IgA-committed cells to mucosal surfaces.