Multiple Myeloma in Spouses

The occurrence of acute leukemia^1,2 and lymphoma³ in spouses has been recognized, but that of multiple myeloma in spouses has not been reported previously. We have had four sets of spouses in whom myeloma has developed and their cases constitute this report.

Patient Summaries 

Patient 1.  —A 59-year-old man complained of an upper respiratory tract infection and fatigue during the spring of 1968 (Table 1). On a visit to his family physician in November 1968 it was discovered that anemia had developed, that he had fractured a rib, and that he had a myeloma. The patient's history was unremarkable except for an appendectomy in 1942. The findings on physical examination were within normal limits except for pallor. Pertinent laboratory data are presented in Table 2. Serum electrophoresis revealed a monoclonal protein (IgG κ) of 6.5 gm/100 ml. The quantitative immunoglobulin values were IgG, 89; IgA, 0.22; and IgM,