Blood, 1967, Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 214-232.
© 1967 American Society of Hematology, Inc.
Chromosomal Aberrations Common to Three Types
of Monoclonal Gammopathies
ELSIE W. HOUSTON 1,
STEPHAN E. RITZMANN 1, and
WILLIAM C. LEVIN 1
1 Department of Medicine, the Hematology Research Laboratory, and the
Division of Hematology, Shriners Burns Institute, University of Texas Medical Branch,
Galveston, Texas.
1. Chromosomal patterns in 24 patients with 
G-, A- and M-type monoclonal gammopathies (MG) are described.
2. Significant chromosomal abnormalities were observed in all three types
of monoclonal gammopathies. Abnormal chromosomes in the AB size range,
or larger (MG-chromosomes), were present in five of seven patients with
M-MG, in three of three patients with A-MG and in seven of 14 patients
with G-MG. Abnormalities in the smallest group C chromosomes (pair 12),
consisting of missing chromosomes, extra chromosomes, or structural anomalies, were noted in all M-MG patients, in two with A-MG and in eight
with G-MG.
3. The literature dealing with chromosomal aberrations in primary macroglobulinemia (Waldenström) and myeloma has been reviewed, and the
various abnormalities have been discussed.
4. These chromosomal abnormalities suggest a common denominator for the
three types of monoclonal gammopathies, without implying either etiologic or
pathognomonic specificity.
Submitted on December 14, 1965
Accepted on August 26, 1966
