[Pleural effusion revealing multiple myeloma]

Abstract

Pleural effusion is rarely observed in multiple myeloma, its frequence is estimated at 6%, and its myelomatous origin occurs in only 1% of the cases. It is exceptionally the first sign of multiple myeloma. We report two cases of IgA and IgG multiple myeloma revealed by pleural effusion. The first case was a 61-year-old woman who developed pleural effusion with a bone endobronchial and pericardial location of multiple myeloma; the second case was a 65-year-old man who had isolated pleural effusion. These pleural effusions were found to be caused by myeloma and were verified by the presence of the same monoclonal immunoglobulin in both plasma and pleural liquid. Atypical plasma cells were found in the pleural fluid.