Primary plasma cell leukemia discovered during a case of acute anemia following gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract

Plasma cell leukemia can occur in undiagnosed patients with myeloma. The existence of anemic syndrome with intolerance symptoms following massive gastrointestinal bleeding can mislead the diagnosis. Careful reading of blood smears is essential, especially in regions of the world with a weak technical platform. In this case, abnormal plasma cells were found on the blood smear. The myelogram revealed a bone marrow infiltration by dysmorphic plasma cells. An immunophenotypic analysis discovered circulating plasma cells, which helped to establish the diagnosis. A methodical identification of the etiology of anemia is needed to discover causes of anemia more easily.