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Updated: Aug 31, 2026
Bronchoalveolar Lavage of Murine Lungs to Analyze Inflammatory Cell Infiltration
Published on: May 4, 2017
[Diagnosis of multiple myeloma by demonstrating plasma cells in bronchoalveolar lavage]
O Burkhardt1, N J Dickgreber, F Bühling
1Abteilung für Pneumologie und Internistische Intensivtherapie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg. olaf.burkhardt@medizin.uni-magdeburg.de
History And Clinical Findings:
A 61-year-old man was transferred from a peripheral hospital with the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease and an unclear mediastinal tumour. At the time of admission the patient had congestive heart disease NYHA class IV.
Investigations:
The echocardiogram showed a small left ventricle with concentric hypertrophy and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35 %. The myocardium was relatively echo-rich with solid structures inside. Chest X-ray showed a massive rightsided pleural effusion. The abdominal ultrasound demonstrated ascites and hepatomegaly. The bronchoalveolar lavage showed an increased part of CD3 negative and CD16/CD56 positive cells, which were identified as plasma cells by light and electron microscopy. Aspiration and investigation of the bone marrow verified the diagnosis of a IgG multiple myeloma, highly differentiated characterised by monoclonal expression of light-lambda chains. Additionally Bence-Jones-proteins were found in the urine and osteolysis in the x-ray of the skull and the humerus.
Diagnosis:
Multiple myeloma, IgG-lambda, stage IIA.
Therapy And Clinical Course:
Chemotherapy with prednisolone and melphalan was initiated. His general condition increased after administration of the first cycle of chemotherapy.
Conclusion:
Cardiopulmonary involvement is seldom seen in multiple myeloma but should be excluded when clinical symptoms are present.
