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.