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[Plasmocytic pleural effusion disclosing multiple myeloma]
M Elloumi1, M Frikha, H Masmoudi
1Service d'Onco-Hématologie, CHU Hédi Chaker, Tunisie.
Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires
|June 22, 2000
Summary
Pleural effusion can be the initial symptom of multiple myeloma, a rare occurrence. This aggressive form of plasma cell myeloma often presents with poor prognosis and short survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy.
- Pleural effusion is an uncommon manifestation of multiple myeloma, occurring in less than 1% of cases.
Observation:
- This study presents a case where pleural effusion was the initial presenting symptom of multiple myeloma.
- Analysis of pleural fluid revealed plasma cells with monoclonal IgG Kappa immunoglobulin.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited bone marrow infiltration by plasma cells, a matching serum monoclonal immunoglobulin, and osteolytic lesions.
- The patient received chemotherapy but did not respond and died within one month.
Implications:
- Pleural effusion may indicate an aggressive form of multiple myeloma.
- This presentation is associated with a poor prognosis and survival rarely exceeding four months.