Copper deposition in a variant of multiple myeloma: pathologic changes in the cornea and the lens capsule.

PURPOSE: To report the pathologic changes in the cornea and the lens capsule resulting from copper deposition in a variant of multiple myeloma.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

Light microscopy of the cornea revealed endothelial cell attenuation with diffuse copper deposition in the central Descemet membrane, which showed thinning, whereas copper banding was seen in the midperipheral and peripheral cornea where the Descemet membrane was normal in thickness. Copper deposition was confirmed by x-ray microanalysis. The anterior lens capsule showed subepithelial copper deposits. Thickening, multilayering, and splitting of the lens capsule were also noted.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the pattern of deposition of copper in the Descemet membrane of the cornea and the anterior lens capsule in multiple myeloma, associated with hypercupremia. Descemet membrane thinning and regional differences in copper deposition were noted. Also, thickening and splitting of the lens capsule are a novel observation.