Clinical features
The clinical picture varies widely according to the degree of tumour cell infiltration and the effects of IgM.
Commonly encountered features may include:
- peak incidence at age 60 - 70 years; slight preponderance for males
- usually present with fatigue related to anaemia
- serum hyperviscosity - causing mucosal and gastrointestinal bleeding, and retinal haemorrhage; due to engorged vessels and platelet dysfunction
- purpura
- hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy (rare in multiple myeloma)
- bone involvement is rare
- neurologic symptoms - alterations in consciousness, peripheral neuropathy, visual disturbance
- nausea and vertigo
Reference
- Pratt G, El-Sharkawi D, Kothari J, et al. Diagnosis and management of Waldenström macroglobulinaemia - a British Society for Haematology guideline. Br J Haematol. 2022 Apr;197(2):171-87.
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