Transcatheter treatment of myelomatous AV shunting causing high-output failure

Intraarterial digital subtraction arteriography (DSA) was performed in a 39-year-old man with multiple myeloma, high-output congestive heart failure unresponsive to correction of anemia, and a pelvic bruit suspicious for an arteriovenous malformation. DSA revealed extensive neovascularity of all the visualized skeletal structures with rapid arteriovenous shunting in the pelvis. Temporary embolization of both hypogastric arteries with Gelfoam and autologous clot produced immediate and dramatic clinical relief of the shortness of breath, orthopnea, and hyperdynamic circulation. Following return of symptoms, repeat permanent occlusion with Ivalon and Gianturco coils produced minimal clinical response, but a decrease in cardiac output from approximately 23 L/min to 19 L/min. The etiology of congestive heart failure in myeloma, the implications of the use of intraarterial DSA, and the arteriographic findings in myeloma are discussed.