Waldenstroms Macroglobulinaemia

Question 1

What is waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia?

Answer 1

• lymphoplasmacytoid malignancy
• monoclonal IgM paraprotein expansion

Question 2

What patient group usually presents with Waldenstroms Macroglobulinaemia

Answer 2

Older Men

Question 3

Clinical features of Waldenstroms

Answer 3

• systemic upset: weight loss, lethargy
• hyperviscosity syndrome e.g. visual disturbance
• hepatosplenomegaly
• lymphadenopathy
• cryoglobulinaemia e.g. Raynaud’s

Question 4

Why is hyperviscosity a problem in Waldenstroms?

Answer 4

IgM forms pentamer which increases viscosity

Question 5

Investigations used to diagnose WM?

Answer 5

• look for monoclonal IgM paraproteinaemia
• bone marrow biopsy
  = lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma cells

Question 6

Management of Waldenstroms

Answer 6

rituximab-based combination chemotherapy