Quiz: Multiple Myeloma Patients With AL Amyloidosis

Question 1

Answer

A.Amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis

Multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis are both caused by the expansion of monoclonal plasma cells and each involve dysproteinemia. Each disease state can occur independently, but in rare instances AL amyloidosis occursin patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

Question 2

Answer

D.All of the above

Multiple myeloma-associated AL amyloidosis can affect any organ system, including myocardia, renal, bone, dermal and subcutaneous tissues.

Question 3

Answer

C.Poor survival

A recent review of 32 published cases suggested a higher prevalence of concurrent cutaneous AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma in women (66% of cases). Nineteen of the 32 patients were white. Most (64%) of the patients died within 6 months of diagnosis.

Question 4

Answer

B.56%

Most (56%) of the 32 published cases of concurrent AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma reviewed presented as hemorrhagic bullous lesions. Another 25% presented as purpura/ecchymosis.

Question 5

Answer

C.Cardiac failure

AL amyloidosis is commonly classified to reflect whether cardiac, renal, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, or other tissues are primarily affected by amyloid depositions. Symptoms vary depending on involved organ systems but the most common cause of death for these patients is cardiac failure.