Multiple myeloma with involvement of leptomeninges: presentation of two cases

Authors

Keywords:

mieloma múltiple; leptomeninges; mieloma extramedular

Abstract

Introduction: involvement of the central nervous system in patients with multiple myeloma is rare. It can be diagnosed by the presence of a monoclonal immunoprotein or plasma cells in cerebrospinal fluid, by intraparenchymal lesions or thickening of leptomeninges demonstrated by imaging techniques, and by histological study of the tissues.

Objectives: to present to the medical community two cases of patients with multiple myeloma and leptomeningeal involvement. To discuss aspects related to the diagnosis and treatment of this form of extramedullary disease

Presentation of the cases: the first case, extramedullary involvement occurred during a relapse of the disease: systemic and in the central nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid flow cytometry were used for diagnosis. The patient was treated with four cycles of DT-PACE and intrathecal dexamethasone with favorable results. In the second case, with a diagnosis of de novo plasma cell leukemia, the neurological symptoms were more evident, the MRI and the cytochemical study of the cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the diagnosis, and she was treated with C-VAD, dexamethasone in high doses as monotherapy, and by intrathecal route. The patient died with progression of neurological symptoms and hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Conclusion: Myeloma in the leptomeninges, although rare, should be considered in patients with neurological symptoms. Imaging and cerebrospinal fluid studies are useful to confirm the diagnosis.

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Author Biographies

Annalia González Betancourt, Hospital General Universitario "Gustavo Aldereguía Lima", Cienfuegos, Cuba

Especialista de I Grado en Hematología

Julio Dámaso Fernández Aguila, Hospital General Universitario "Gustavo Aldereguía Lima", Cienfuegos, Cuba

Doctor en Medicina. Especialista de 1er y 2do Grado en Hematología. Profesor Auxiliar, Investigador Auxiliar. Máster en Ensayos Clínicos. Jefe del Servicio de Hematología del HGU Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima. Miembro y Presidente del Capítulo Provincial de la Sociedad Cubana de Hematología. Miembro de la Junta de Gobierno de la Sociedad Cubana de Hematología.  Miembro de Sociedad Cubana de Farmacología.JEfe del Grupo Provincial de Hematología.

Masleidy Valladares Valle., Hospital General Universitario "Gustavo Aldereguía Lima", Cienfuegos, Cuba

Especialista de I en Medicina General Integral y de I y II Grado en Imagenología. Máster en Procederes Diagnósticos en APS. Profesor Auxiliar. Investigador Agregado.

Eduardo Espinosa Méndez, Hospital General Universitario "Gustavo Aldereguía Lima", Cienfuegos, Cuba

Especialista de I en Medicina General Integral. Residente de III año de Imagenología.

Liam Lain Pérez Vallladares, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos.

Estudiante de 3 año de Medicina. Alumno Ayudante de Imagenología

Flora Amanda Fernández Villares, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos.

Estudiante de 6 año de Medicina. Alumna ayudante de Hematología.

Published

2026-03-01

How to Cite

1.
González Betancourt A, Fernández Aguila JD, Valladares Valle. M, Espinosa Méndez E, Pérez Vallladares LL, Fernández Villares FA. Multiple myeloma with involvement of leptomeninges: presentation of two cases. Rev Cubana Hematol Inmunol Hemoter [Internet]. 2026 Mar. 1 [cited 2026 Mar. 5];42:e2020. Available from: https://revhematologia.sld.cu/index.php/hih/article/view/2020

Issue

Section

HEMATOLOGÍA