Plasma cell leukemia presenting with diplopia due to unilateral abducens paralysis and complex chromosomal abnormalities

Abstract

Involvement of cranial nerves is rare in plasma cell leukemia (PCL). Here, we report a case of PCL presenting with unilateral abducens paralysis. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed a mass in the sphenoid sinus. Although the patient showed an initial response to chemotherapy, he died of disease progression 5 months later. Cytogenetic analysis showed translocation of chromosomes 11 and 14, t(11:14) (q13; q32), with additional complex abnormalities. This case implies an association between clinical manifestations and chromosomal abnormalities. © 2006 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.