Waldenström macroglobulinemia
Pronunciation: VAL-den-strehm mak-roe-glob-yoo-lin-EE-mee-ah
Also written as: WM — Waldenström macroglobulinemia
A rare B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by bone marrow infiltration with lymphoplasmacytic cells and IgM monoclonal protein production.
Full Definition
Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a distinct lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by bone marrow infiltration with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma cells that produce monoclonal IgM protein. The disease is classified as a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and typically affects older adults. Clinical manifestations may include hyperviscosity syndrome due to elevated IgM levels, cytopenias from bone marrow involvement, and lymphadenopathy or organomegaly. Most patients harbor the MYD88 L265P mutation. The disease follows an indolent course, and treatment is indicated for symptomatic disease or complications related to IgM paraprotein.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'Waldenström' as it is an eponym; ensure correct spelling with umlaut or 'oe'.
In Context
- "Serum protein electrophoresis showed an IgM spike consistent with Waldenström macroglobulinemia." — laboratory report
- "The patient developed hyperviscosity syndrome requiring plasmapheresis for Waldenström macroglobulinemia." — clinical note