waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia Flashcards
1
Q
what is Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinaemia
A
chronic, indolent, B cell lymphoproliferative disorder
characterised by IgM monoclonal paraprotein and bone marrow infiltration by lymphoplasmacytic cells
2
Q
aetiology
A
exact cause unknown
personal/family history of autoimmune, inflammatory or infective disorders
3
Q
clinical presentation
A
tumour effects: lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, marrow failure
paraprotein effects: hyperviscosity, fatigue, visual disturbance, confusion, coma, bleeding, cardiac failure
4
Q
investigations
A
FBC, plasma viscosity, serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation
bone marrow assessment
5
Q
management
A
chemotherapy
plasmapheresis
