Plasma cell myeloma with double M bands on Serum protein electrophoresis: A diagnostic conundrum?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Plasma cell myeloma (PCM) is a monoclonal gammopathy (MGM) characterized by proliferation of abnormal clone of plasma cells infiltrating the bone marrow with consequent end organ damage. The clonal plasma cells secrete a single clone of immunoglobulins (Ig) leading to presence of M-protein in the serum and/or urine. The M-protein is appreciated as a discrete band on serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) in the gamma globulin region, also called the M-band. Biclonal gammopathy (BGM) occurs due to neoplastic transformation of a plasma cell clone undergoing Ig class switching or due to an independent neoplastic transformation event yielding proliferation of unrelated plasma cell clones, therefore resulting in two distinct M-bands on SPE. It is, however, vital to distinguish a true BGM from an apparent one (MGM presenting with two distinct bands on SPE) so as to make an accurate diagnosis. Hereby, we report a case of a 61-year-old man, diagnosed with PCM and presenting with two discrete bands on SPE (simulating a BGM) which turned out to be monoclonal in nature.