Pleural myelomatous involvement in multiple myeloma: five cases

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy.
• Pleural involvement in MM is uncommon, affecting less than 1% of patients.

Observation:

• This study retrospectively analyzed five cases of MM patients with myelomatous pleural effusions.
• Patients presented with pleural effusion, and analysis confirmed plasma cells in pleural fluid and/or biopsy.
• Electrophoresis of pleural fluid demonstrated monoclonal immunoglobulin peaks identical to serum levels.

Findings:

• Myelomatous pleural effusion is a rare manifestation of multiple myeloma.
• Diagnosis was supported by pleural fluid cytology and histology.
• Treatment with chemotherapy showed initial response, but all patients experienced early relapses.

Implications:

• Myelomatous pleural effusion indicates a poor prognosis in multiple myeloma patients.
• Early relapses and fatal infections are common complications.
• This rare complication warrants careful monitoring and management in MM patients.