An atypical finding on serum immunofixation: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of plasma cells, resulting in the overproduction of distinctive monoclonal proteins (M-protein). Suspected MM necessitates screening for M-protein through a combination of serum protein electrophoresis, serum immunofixation (SIFE), and serum free light chain (SFLC) determination. An M-protein appears as a relatively restricted band on agarose gel, where migration in ɑ-2 is rare.

Methods: A 55-year-old man with pulmonary tuberculosis presented with severe lower back pain. On examination, he appeared chronically ill, with conjunctival pallor. X-rays revealed vertebral compression fractures. The full blood count confirmed anemia; however, serum calcium and creatinine levels did not meet myeloma-defining event criteria.

Results: The serum protein electrophoresis revealed hypogammaglobulinemia, with the SIFE demonstrating unusual unrestricted κ staining in the ɑ-2 region. A markedly elevated κ SFLC and κ:λ ratio were found. Bone marrow examination demonstrated approximately 90% plasmacytosis. Urine immunofixation revealed a small, restricted κ band disproportionate to the κ SFLC. Notably, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry identified only polyclonal κ SFLC.

Discussion: Given the absence of a discernible M-protein on SIFE, a small κ restriction on urine immunofixation, and a polyclonal increase in κ SFLCs, the patient's condition is being managed as an oligosecretory MM.

Keywords: Mass-Fix; multiple myeloma; serum free light chains; serum immunofixation.