Pulmonary embolism in a patient with multiple myeloma receiving thalidomide-dexamethasone therapy

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.