Pulmonary Vein Thrombosis in a Patient With Multiple Myeloma on Treatment With Lenalidomide

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) poses inherent risk of thrombosis that can be amplified by the use of immunomodulator therapy. We present a patient with MM who was being treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone when he developed progressive dyspnea on exertion consistent with a left lower pulmonary vein thrombosis (PVT) despite use of prophylactic aspirin. The PVT was not initially seen on standard computed tomography angiogram pulmonary embolism protocol but was seen on 192-slice multidetector computed tomography angiogram for assessment of coronary calcifications 8 months later. Subsequent treatment with full dose rivaroxaban resulted in full clot resolution and symptom improvement. PVT has not been previously reported with lenalidomide therapy and may not be a forefront differential diagnosis. In such cases, a multi-modality diagnostic approach may be beneficial. Consideration should be given to escalating venous thromboembolism prophylaxis to full dose anticoagulation during increased prothrombotic windows, such as the time of treatment initiation or dose adjustments, in low bleeding risk patients.

Keywords: Immunotherapy; Multiple myeloma; Prevention; Thrombosis.

Figure 1

Left lower pulmonary vein thrombosis. Transverse view of chest via a gated 192-slice multidetector computed tomography angiogram revealed a lower pulmonary vein thrombosis (arrow).

Figure 2

Resolution of left lower pulmonary vein thrombus. Repeat computed tomography angiogram revealed clot resolution after treatment with rivaroxaban. Similar transverse view of the chest is shown with blue arrow marking the previously seen thrombus location.