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Recurrent pleural effusion in myeloma
Wing Hang Woo1, Azlin Ithnin2, Mohd Asyiq Al-Fard Mohd Raffali1
1Department of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Plasma cell (PC) disorders make up a spectrum of diseases which include myeloma and amyloidosis. Pleural effusion in myeloma is rare and may result from myelomatous infiltration of the pleura or heart failure in cardiac amyloidosis. Benign causes of pleural effusion include infection, hypoalbuminemia or chronic renal impairment. Myelomatous pleural effusion (MPE) is diagnosed via pleural fluid cytomorphology and flow cytometry for malignant PCs, protein electrophoresis or pleural biopsy. A 74-year-old man with immunoglobulin A myeloma developed recurrent MPE with possible secondary cardiac amyloidosis. Despite achieving partial remission in serum paraprotein, the effusion was refractory to percutaneous drainage and pleurodesis. The treatment is aimed at eradicating myeloma and relieving respiratory symptoms. Early recognition of myeloma progression into extramedullary infiltration and secondary amyloidosis is important. While chemotherapy intensification in older patients can be challenging, multidisciplinary management is essential in alleviating symptoms and in improving the quality of life.
Insights
This study discusses myelomatous pleural effusion (MPE), a rare complication of myeloma. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management are crucial for treating MPE and improving patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Plasma cell (PC) disorders encompass myeloma and amyloidosis.
- Pleural effusion in myeloma is uncommon, potentially caused by direct infiltration or cardiac amyloidosis.
- Diagnosis involves analyzing pleural fluid and tissue samples.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old man with immunoglobulin A myeloma presented with recurrent myelomatous pleural effusion (MPE).
- The MPE was refractory to standard treatments like drainage and pleurodesis, despite partial remission of serum paraprotein.
- Secondary cardiac amyloidosis was suspected as a contributing factor.
Findings:
- Myelomatous pleural effusion (MPE) diagnosis relies on cytomorphology, flow cytometry, protein electrophoresis, or biopsy.
- Treatment focuses on eradicating the underlying myeloma and managing respiratory symptoms.
- Refractory MPE poses significant challenges, especially in older patients.
Implications:
- Early identification of extramedullary myeloma infiltration and secondary amyloidosis is critical.
- Multidisciplinary care is essential for symptom management and enhancing quality of life in MPE patients.
- Chemotherapy intensification in elderly patients requires careful consideration.
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