Coronary angioplasty and aortic valve replacement in two patients with multiple myeloma – case reports Case report

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a hematological disorder characterized by a clonal proliferation of atypical plasma cells, which produce a monoclonal immunoglobulin. The annual incidence rate in Europe is about 4.5/100 000 persons, the peak age of onset falls on the sixth and seventh decade of life. This is also the age in which the risk of cardiovascular diseases starts to increase. Therefore, cardiological treatment and cardiac surgery in patients with multiple myeloma becomes an important issue. This includes the problem of perioperative complications and the need for postoperative use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. Patients with oncological diseases, including multiple myeloma, are often disqualified from cardiac surgery and cardiac procedures because of an uncertain prognosis and the lack of clear guidelines. In this paper we describe two cases of patients with multiple myeloma who successfully underwent procedures such as replacement of the aortic valve and angioplasty of the left anterior descending artery. This paper aims to present the potential problems associated with cardiac surgery and perioperative care in these patients and to consider whether such treatment should be advised. A comprehensive and interdisciplinary cooperation can lead to optimal therapeutic results.