Pleural effusion as a manifestation of multiple myeloma

BMJ Case Rep. 2016 Aug 12:2016:bcr2016215433. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-215433.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a clonal B-cell malignancy, characterised by proliferation of plasma cells and secretion of paraproteins. These plasma cells accumulate predominantly in the bone marrow; rarely, they invade other areas, especially the thorax. Myeloma presenting with a pleural effusion is rare and reported in only 6% of patients with myeloma. Such patients generally present late and have a poor prognosis. Here, we describe a patient presenting with a lung mass, renal failure and a massive unilateral pleural effusion due to multiple myeloma who was treated successfully.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Bortezomib / administration & dosage
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications
  • Lenalidomide
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Multiple Myeloma / complications*
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Pleural Effusion / etiology*
  • Thalidomide / administration & dosage
  • Thalidomide / analogs & derivatives
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Thalidomide
  • Bortezomib
  • Dexamethasone
  • Lenalidomide