Use of bilevel positive airway pressure ventilatory support for pathological flail chest complicating multiple myeloma

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a common disease that universally involves the skeletal system. Although rib involvement may occur, the development of pathological flail chest is rare. We describe the treatment and course of this condition in an elderly female, and the use of the bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilatory system in providing pneumatic stabilization, while definitive chemotherapy was given to heal the pathological fractures. Our experience with this patient suggests that, despite its dramatic clinical manifestation, the association of flail chest with multiple myeloma may not predict a poor prognosis. We have also found that pneumatic stabilization can be achieved by using the bilevel positive airway pressure ventilatory support through a tracheostomy.