Assessment of Plasma cell disorders: Pathology review: Video | Osmosis

Question

A 62 year-old man presents to his outpatient provider&#8217;s office because of two months of persistent headaches, blurry vision, and numbness in the hands bilaterally. The headache is unresponsive to over the counter pain-killers. He also reports 10 lbs (4.5 kg) weight loss over the same period. Past medical history is notable for hypertension. Family history is significant for multiple sclerosis in his mother. His temperature is 37.1&#176;C (98.8&#176;F), pulse is 75/min and blood pressure is 148/97 mmHg. Cardiopulmonary examination is noncontributory. Abdominal examination reveals hepatosplenomegaly. On peripheral smear, red blood cells are seen to clump together when placed in a 5&#176;C (41&#176;F) refrigerator. Which of the following best explains the pathophysiology of the patient&#8217;s condition?&#160;

Accepted Answer

Neoplastic proliferation of IgM-secreting plasma cells&#160;

Answer

Erythropoietin-independent proliferation of red blood cells&#160;

Answer

Autoimmune destruction of myelin in the central nervous system&#160;

Answer

Malignant proliferation of cells of myeloid lineage&#160;

Answer

Infection by a double-stranded DNA virus&#160;

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Plasma cell disorders: Pathology review

Pathology

Hematological system