抄録
A case of multiple myeloma associated with asbestosis is reported. A 57-year-old male having history of exposure to asbestos for at least 2 to 3 years was admitted because of paraplegia. The patient noticed sudden onset of gait disturbance in July 1981. He was found to have epidural tumor around Th 9 vertebra and received operation. Histological examination revealed plasmacytoma and the patient was transferred to our hospital because of suspected diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
On admission, serum IgG was increased and IgG-κ type M protein was found in serum and urine by immunoelectrophoresis. Bone marrow aspiration disclosed 27.9% of myeloma cells. Chest X-ray showed the typical findings of asbestosis and the asbestos body was found by the transbronchial lung biopsy. From these findings he was diagnosed as having asbestosis and multiple myeloma. He was treated with local irradiation to the vertebrae and then combination chemotherapy. On immunological examination cellmediated immunity was retained except for the lower response to T-cell mitogens. Interestingly natural killer cell function was markedly suppressed and the function was not enhanced by the addition of interferon in vitro. From these immunological findings, relationship between asbestosis and myeloma was discussed.
