Ascites is a rare complication of multiple myeloma (MM); in most cases, the direct invasion of myeloma cells to the peritoneal cavity has been assumed to be the etiology because the effusion is usually exudative and contains a high proportion of myeloma cells. We herein report a case of MM with massive ascites containing only a small amount of myeloma cells. Instead, high levels of serum and ascitic vascular endothelial growth factor were detected. This was suggested to be a potential mechanism underlying the development of ascites.
Keywords: endocrinopathy; monoclonal gammopathy; multiple myeloma (MM); organomegaly; pleural effusion; polyneuropathy; skin changes (POEMS) syndrome; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).