[stanggal05]

Slightly elevated total kappa - what does it mean?

by stanggal05 on Thu Mar 31, 2016 9:59 am

Due to a weird onset of a sporadic migraine with aura that lasted for like a week, I went to the neurologist. I've had MRI, CT, CTA, full metabolic panel, CBC work up, cardiological exam on heart and carotids, autoimmune tests for lupus, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid, and MS. Also was tested for paraneoplastic syndrome antibodies that came back negative.

The last lab that I did was a protein electrophoresis serum and everything was good except for my total kappa - it was a 338 and normal value range ends at 295. My neurologist seemed concerned and sent me to redo the test. Are there any myelomas that my results would fall into?

I'm not finding anything online that suggests that a slightly elevated total kappa with normal ratio, no M-protein detected, normal calcium levels, and normal everything else for that matter falling into a disorder. But my neurologist is freaking me out.

Anyone have any knowledge about disorders/cancers for slightly elevated kappa only?

I'm also asymptomatic - as I explained, the only reason this test was done was as a routine for the neurologist.

[Multibilly]

Re: Slightly elevated total kappa - what does it mean?

by Multibilly on Thu Mar 31, 2016 12:25 pm

Stangal,

Did your neurologist actually mention cancer as a possibility? If not, I wouldn't jump to any conclusions about a potential diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

Having said that, it sounds like your light chain measurement was a total light chain measurement. However, one uses what is known as a FREE light chain assay when diagnosing multiple myeloma, not a TOTAL light chain test. In fact, using a total light chain test to screen for something like multiple myeloma is not recommended. If you wanted to eliminate multiple myeloma as a potential cause of your elevated kappa, you would also run a serum free light chain and serum immunofixation test.

But be clear that lots of things can elevate ones light chains, including infections, arthritis and various autoimmune diseases. Or, it could just be a passing "blip" or lab measurement error. So again, I wouldn't jump to any conclusions about your findings thus far.