The Clinical Characteristics of Multiple Myeloma in the Acute Care Setting: Case Presentation and Clinical Recommendations

The acute complications of multiple myeloma can be varied and devastating, including electrolyte derangements, renal failure, and infections amongst others. The varying pathological mechanisms behind these complications make the management of patients presenting with multiple myeloma a complicated and sometimes tenuous process. The patient compliance can further exacerbate these difficulties. The patient discussed in this case initially presented with newly developed altered mental status, fatigue, epistaxis, and an ecchymotic rash. Laboratory testing and imaging would conclude a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, but unfortunately treatment was cut short. Admission at a later date would show rapidly deteriorating condition with new lung consolidations and worsening laboratory findings. Herein the authors discuss the clinical findings of patients with acute manifestations of multiple myeloma, their prognostic value, and the implications of patient compliance and early intervention in the setting of multiple myeloma.