[Multiple myeloma presenting with amyloid arthropathy].

Amyloid arthropathy rarely occurs in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) or primary amyloidosis (PA). Amyloid infiltration in and about the joints may be so extensive as to simulate the findings of rheumatoid arthritis. Some cases have been reported in which the articular manifestations were present for many months prior to the diagnosis of amyloid arthropathy. The delay of the diagnosis can result in the development of a fatal complication of MM or PA, which is not always unavoidable. We have encountered an unusual case of MM which the articular manifestations were present prior to the diagnosis of MM. A 59-year-old woman had a four-month history of hypesthesia in the median-nerve distribution of both hands and polyarthralgia. Far advanced renal insufficiency was evident, but its etiology was not determined. The patient was maintained on hemodialysis. The shoulders, wrists, hips and finger joints were symmetrically involved with articular swelling. All of these joints showed the avid uptake of Tc-99m (V) DMSA. The serum and urine immunoelectrophoresis demonstrated the presence of IgG-lambda type M-component and lambda type Bence Jones proteins, respectively. The bone marrow findings and bone roentgenograms supported the diagnosis of MM. Biopsy specimens from the synovial membrane revealed amyloid deposition. Her condition was much improved with melphalan and prednisolone.