Massive myelomatous ascites responsive to VAD chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation

Plasmacytic ascites is an infrequent complication of multiple myeloma, To date, only few cases have been reported with a very rapidly fatal course unresponsive to therapy. We describe a patient with plasmacytic ascites and quiescent multiple myeloma of 8 years of duration. Disease progression became apparent due to myelomatous ascites, unexplained fever, pancytopenia and bone marrow infiltration. This case showed a complete and long-lasting response after VAD chemotherapy followed by autologous PBSC transplantation. Ascites in association with MM may respond for lengthy periods to high-dose chemotherapy and ASCT.