Multiple myeloma: a case of atypical presentation on protein electrophoresis.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a group of B-cell disorders resulting in the secretion of a specific and unique monoclonal immunoglobulin (M-protein). Protein electrophoresis is advised whenever multiple myeloma is suspected. The monoclonal protein migrates as a single entity in the electric field and is detected by the non-specific protein stain as a more intensely stained band superimposed on the usual protein pattern. The M-protein usually migrates in the gamma or beta region of the normal protein pattern; very rarely it may appear in the α2 or even in α1 region. Here we have given an atypical case presentation where the patient with multiple myeloma presented with two M-spike one each in α2 and β-globulin region on agarose gel protein electrophoresis with hypoglobulinemia but with reversed A:G ratio.

• Authors: Nihar Ranjan Dash, Biswajit Mohanty
• Journal: Indian journal of clinical biochemistry : IJCB (Indian J Clin Biochem) Vol. 27 Issue 1 Pg. 100-2 (Jan 2012) ISSN: 0970-1915 [Print] India
• PMID: 23277721 (Publication Type: Case Reports)