Extraskeletal multiple myeloma presenting with an atrial mass: a case report and a review of the literature

• Main Authors: Vigo Federica, Ciammella Patrizia, Valli Riccardo, Cagni Elisabetta, Iotti Cinzia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-08-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/6/1/236

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Extraskeletal presentation at diagnosis or during the course of multiple myeloma is a rare event. The prognosis is usually very poor. At the moment there is no agreed gold standard for the treatment of this presentation.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 79-year-old Caucasian woman was treated at our hospital for right atrial myeloma localization. Our patient showed the following signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure: dyspnea, hypotension, cyanosis and facial edema. Surgery was not considered feasible due to the extent of the disease. Our patient underwent external-beam radiation therapy using an intensity modulated technique, thus obtaining a persistent complete remission. Our patient has been in continuous complete local remission for 25 months since the end of radiotherapy.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The role of radiotherapy is not defined in multiple myeloma with extraskeletal presentation. Our regimen seems to be effective in controlling the disease in this patient.</p> <p>This case report adds to the existing literature as it describes an unusual presentation of the disease and a new therapeutic approach to this rare presentation of multiple myeloma.</p>