Plasma cell leukemia--a case report

Plasma cell leukemia, occurring either de novo or in patients with long standing multiple myeloma, is the least common type of plasma cell dyscrasia. Histogenetically plasma cell leukemia is derived from terminally differentiated B cells. It is diagnosed by presence of absolute plasma cell count >2000/cm or >20% circulating plasma cells. Two cases of plasma-cell leukemia are reported here. Clinical spectrum and course of the disease, are discussed. Both cases (of primary plasma cell leukemia) had abrupt onset of disease, poor response to therapy and short survival time. Both presented with fatiguability and weakness. Evidence of organomegaly and radiological and hematological evidence of plasma cell leukemia, with thrombocytopenia and evidence of visceral involvement with leukemic cells, was seen in one case.