Malignant Pericardial Effusion--An Uncommon Complication of Multiple Myeloma: Case Report

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a condition usually associated with lesions of the skeleton. However, under rare circumstances, the malignant plasma cells may infiltrate the pericardium, resulting in an effusion. If left untreated, the abnormal accumulation of pericardial fluid will result in cardiac tamponade, requiring drainage. The following report describes a multiple myeloma patient who developed secondary pericardial and pleural effusions, which were surgically drained via a pleuropericardial window.