Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, multiple myeloma, and osteoporosis

Abstract

The finding of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is not infrequent during an evaluation for osteoporosis or a fracture. In most cases, the diagnosis is MGUS, whose prevalence increases with age. Although the impact of MGUS on bone mineral density, bone remodeling, and the fracture risk remains unclear, this asymptomatic hematological disorder may constitute a risk factor for osteoporosis. Furthermore, each year, 1% of patients with MGUS progress to multiple myeloma, a disease whose pathophysiology and association with bone loss and pathological fractures are increasingly well understood. Osteoporotic fractures, although probably common in myeloma patients, are less likely to be recognized. Here, we discuss the pathophysiology of myeloma and MGUS and their impact in terms of bone mineral density, osteoporotic fractures, and bone turnover markers.