IgE Myeloma: the First Report of Chinese Case and a Review of the Literature

Objective: To report a case of IgE myeloma and to compare its clinical features with those reported in the literature. Methods: M-component in serum and urine was determined using cellulose- acetate membrane electrophoresis, immunofixation electrophoresis and quantification of immunoglobulins. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of IgE and its light chain. Results: A monoclonal peak was detected by cellulose-acetate membrane electrophoresis. The monoclonal band showed on immunofixation electrophoresis the following reactive patterns: positive for λ antisera and negative for κ, IgG, IgA, IgM and IgD antisera. The serum immunoglobulin concentrations were: IgG 21.6 g/L, IgA 1.2 g/L, IgM 2.64 g/L, κ 7.49 g/L, λ 16.0 g/L, κ/λ 0.47. The results of immunohistochemistry showed cytoplasmic expression of IgE immunoglobulin and λ light chain in the tumor tissue.Conclusion: This is the first case of IgE multiple myeloma reported in China.