Macroglobulinemia of Waldenström

Abstract

In macroglobulinemia of Waldenström, there appears to be a questionably malignant involvement of the lymphatic reticuloendothelial system which causes bleeding, anemia and infections. The etiology is unknown and the outcome is eventually fatal. Various clinical features and laboratory findings help to differentiate this disease from multiple myeloma, chronic lymphatic leukemia, lymphosarcoma and purpura hyperglobulinemia.

Treatment is symptomatic, consisting of blood transfusions and administration of adrenocortical steroids and adrenocorticotropic hormones.