Massive pleural effusion due to IgG multiple myeloma

Abstract

Pleural effusion directly attributable to multiple myeloma is exceedingly uncommon and is said to occur in only 1–2% of cases. Of these around 80% occur in IgA disease. We report a case of myelomatous pleural effusion (proven on cytological and immunohistochemical analysis) in a patient with the IgG-κ subtype. We describe the diagnosis, pathogenesis and management of this condition and show the radiological and cytological evidence of the case.