Cement Embolus in a Patient With Multiple Myeloma: A Case Report

Multiple myeloma consists of characteristic symptoms such as hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia, and bone abnormalities. Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive surgical intervention, is a commonly used procedure to stabilize bone lesions in patients with multiple myeloma. Despite its relative safety, a potential complication is cement embolism. This can occur if cement leaks into the paravertebral venous system and lodges in distant arteries. It is often asymptomatic and found incidentally on imaging studies. Occasionally, it can also present with dyspnea, chest discomfort, or acute respiratory distress syndrome. This case report highlights a 70-year-old male patient with multiple myeloma who underwent kyphoplasty and developed a pulmonary cement embolism. The treatment options for cement embolism depend on the location, size, and severity of the symptoms, with careful consideration of comorbidities and other potential causes of respiratory distress.