Fast Five Quiz: Waldenström Macroglobulinemia Complications

Emmanuel C. Besa, MD

Disclosures

February 01, 2021

The incidence of hyperviscosity syndrome in patients with WM is decreasing as early diagnosis of the cancer becomes more common. Still, the syndrome occurs in about 10%-30% of WM cases. Patients with IgM serum levels greater than 4000 mg/dL are considered to be at an increased risk for hyperviscosity syndrome and viscosity measurement is required. Serum viscosity is also required when symptoms are present (epistaxis, gingival bleeding, and visual changes due to retinal hemorrhage). A retinal examination is recommended in patients with hyperviscosity symptoms.

CNS symptom findings, including dizziness, lightheadedness, and generalized fatigue, are nonspecific and must be confirmed with measures of serum viscosity.

Learn more about hyperviscosity syndrome.

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