Rare case of pure red cell aplasia secondary to smoldering multiple myeloma successfully treated with daratumumab – case report and review of the literature

TL;DR

A rare case of anemia caused by a blood cancer was successfully treated with a drug called daratumumab.

Contribution

This case report presents a successful treatment of PRCA secondary to SMM using subcutaneous daratumumab.

Findings

The patient had severe anemia due to PRCA caused by smoldering multiple myeloma.

Treatment with subcutaneous daratumumab led to successful management of the condition.

The case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in such rare presentations.

Abstract

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare hematological disorder characterized by erythroid hypoplasia and maturation arrest in the bone marrow. We present a case of acquired PRCA secondary to smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), initially presenting as severe anemia requiring multiple blood transfusions. This case highlights the diagnostic dilemma at presentation as well as the therapeutic challenges in treating PRCA secondary to SMM. Here we discuss the appropriate workup and identify a potential option for managing these patients with subcutaenous daratumumab.

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