Abstract
Massive pulmonary embolism is an uncommon complication of multiple myeloma treated with thalidomide–dexamethasone regimen. In 2006, multiple myeloma was diagnosed in a 72-year-old man, who received thalidomide–dexamethasone therapy. In January 2007, echocardiography and computerized tomography identified massive pulmonary embolism in the pulmonary arteries and a deep vein thrombus of the right leg. The patient also had an elevated concentration of B-type natriuretic peptide. After heparinization and warfarin therapy, the patient’s condition improved. This is the first report of a patient with a rare complication of pulmonary embolism from thalidomide-treated multiple myeloma.
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Acknowledgments
Dr Chu is supported by NHRI, Taiwan (NHRI-EX91-9108SC, NHRI-EX92-9108SC, NHRI-EX-93-9108SC, NHRI-EX94-9108SC, NHRI-EX54-9108SCl, and NHRI-EX96-9627SI), CMRPG32057 from the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, the NSC Memorial Hospital, and the National Sciences Council (NSC 94-2314-B-182-071 and 95-2314-B-182-021).
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Jeng, WJ., Kuo, MC., Shih, LY. et al. Pulmonary embolism in a patient with multiple myeloma receiving thalidomide–dexamethasone therapy. Int J Hematol 87, 542–544 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-008-0071-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-008-0071-x