title: 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.
authors.affiliation: The First Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 199 Tun-Hwa North Road, Taipei, 105, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Wen-Juei
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Jeng
authors.affiliation: The Division of Hematology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ming-Chung
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Kuo
authors.affiliation: The Division of Hematology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Lee-Yung
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Shih
authors.affiliation: The First Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 199 Tun-Hwa North Road, Taipei, 105, Taiwan. pchu@adm.cgmh.org.tw.
authors.forename: Pao-Hsien
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Chu
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D014463:Ultrasonography; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
chemical_list: D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D013792:Thalidomide; D003907:Dexamethasone