Pleural plasmacytomas - the role of radiotherapy

Imaging finding of multiple myeloma presenting as soft-tissue disease mimicking extrapleural space tumors: A case report

Extramedullary involvement of multiple myeloma is an uncommon and aggressive condition characterized by proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells located outside the bone marrow. This report describes the imaging findings of a patient who presented with continuous soft-tissue disease on the ribs, suspected as extrapleural space tumors on chest CT. The patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma through surgical biopsy of the tumor and bone marrow.

Extramedullary relapse of Immunoglobulin A-kappa myeloma manifesting as plasmacytoma of the pleura without bone marrow involvement and following autologous bone marrow transplant: a case report

BACKGROUND

Recurrence of multiple myeloma is among the most challenging issues for patients and treating physicians reported after autologous stem cell transplantation. However, extramedullary involvement after chemotherapy and transplantation has been rarely reported, especially as pleural manifestations. Protein electrophoresis indicated immunoglobulin A monoclonal kappa plasma cell neoplasm in our case.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 48-year-old middle-eastern man was referred to our clinic with cough, dyspnea, fever, and left side pleural effusion. A year after chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation, the patient presented with features in favor of pleural relapse, without bone marrow involvement. Protein electrophoresis demonstrated immunoglobulin A monoclonal kappa plasma cell neoplasm in our case. The patient was effectively treated with dexamethasone, thalidomide, cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide with no notable adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Physicians should be aware of various presentations of multiple myeloma relapse, especially in autologous stem cell transplantation patients. Atypical and unique presentations such as the pleural involvement warrant further reporting of evidence to provide early management and treatment options.