Orbital plasmacytoma as the presenting feature in multiple myeloma

Abstract

A 50-year-old female patient presented with protrusion of the left eye for 1 month. Examination showed abaxial proptosis, restriction of extraocular movements, and elevated intraocular pressure. Computed tomography of the orbits showed soft tissue enhancing lesion in the superolateral aspect of the left orbit with lytic lesions in calvarium. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the lesion revealed a diagnosis of plasmacytoma with positive CD138 and CD38 immunohistochemical stains. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and serum lactate dehydrogenase were elevated. Serum protein electrophoresis revealed hypergammaglobulinemia, and bone marrow biopsy revealed 6% plasma cells. The patient was started on chemotherapy with bortezomib, dexamethasone and lenalidomide by the medical oncologist. Significant improvement in proptosis and extraocular movements noted on follow-up. Orbital myeloma may be the first manifestation of systemic disease.