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==Overview==
==Overview==
Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the presence of a serum IgM paraprotein associated with infiltration of the bone marrow by lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma<ref name="pmid12720118">{{cite journal| author=Owen RG, Treon SP, Al-Katib A, Fonseca R, Greipp PR, McMaster ML et al.| title=Clinicopathological definition of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia: consensus panel recommendations from the Second International Workshop on Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia. | journal=Semin Oncol | year= 2003 | volume= 30 | issue= 2 | pages= 110-5 | pmid=12720118 | doi=10.1053/sonc.2003.50082 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12720118  }} </ref>
Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the presence of a serum IgM paraprotein associated with infiltration of the bone marrow by lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a type of [[lymphoproliferative disease]] involving [[lymphocytes]] with IgM as the main attributing antibody, and shares clinical characteristics with the indolent [[non-Hodgkin lymphoma]]s.  Waldenström's macroglobulinemia was first discovered by Jan G. Waldenström, and represents 1% of all hematological cancers. Common causes of this disease include genetic, environmental, and autoimmune factors, while common risk factors include [[monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance]], age >50 year old, white ethnicity, heredity, hepatitis C, and immune disorders. Genes involved in pathogenesis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia include MYD88-L265P, CXCR4 and chromosomes 6q, 13q, 3q, 6p and 18q. The hallmark of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is [[hyperviscosity syndrome]]. If left untreated, patients with asymptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia may progress to develop symptomatic disease. Common complications of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia include [[hyperviscosity syndrome]], cold haemagglutinin disease, [[cryoglobulinemia]], [[peripheral neuropathy]], [[venous thromboembolism]], [[primary amyloidosis]], malabsorbtive diarrhea, and bleeding manifestations. Prognosis varies depending on the multiple factors involved. Five year survival rate is 87% for low-risk disease and 36% for high-risk disease. Signs and symptoms of patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemias depend on the degree of tissue infiltration by malignant tumor cells, hyperviscosity syndrome, and accumulation of paraprotein. The diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia is based on [[bone marrow biopsy]] and serum [[protein]] analysis. Risk stratification determines the protocol of management used for Waldenström macroglobulinemia patients. Watchful waiting is recommended for asymptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Symptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is treated with [[Rituximab]] +/- [[Chemotherapy]].
'''Waldenström macroglobulinemia''' is a cancer involving subtype of white blood cells called [[lymphocytes]]. The main attributing antibody is IgM. It is a type of [[lymphoproliferative disease]], and shares clinical characteristics with the indolent [[non-Hodgkin lymphoma]]s.<ref name="Cheson">{{cite book | author = Cheson BD | year = 2006 | title = ACP Medicine | chapter = Chronic Lymphoid Leukemias and Plasma Cell Disorders | editor = Dale DD, Federman DD | publisher = WebMD Professional Publishing | location = New York, NY | id = ISBN 0974832715 }}</ref> Waldenström's macroglobulinemia represents 1% of all hematological cancers.<ref name="wiki">Molecular pathogenesis of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia NCBI (2015) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3436227/ Accessed on November, 6 2015</ref> Waldenström's macroglobulinemia was first discovered by Jan G. Waldenström, a Swedish physician in 1944.<ref name="HP">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Wikipedia (2015)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldenström%27s_macroglobulinemia#Pathophysiology Accessed on November 6, 2015</ref> Waldenström's macroglobulinemia  is classified as a subtypes of [[Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma]] according to the new [[World Health Organization]] and the Revised European American Lymphoma (REAL) classifications.<ref name="HP">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Wikipedia (2015)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldenström%27s_macroglobulinemia#Pathophysiology Accessed on November 6, 2015</ref><ref name="class">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. International Waldenström's macroglobulinemia Foundation (2015)http://www.iwmf.com/sites/default/files/docs/WM_Review_Ghobrial_Jan2014.pdf Accessed on November 9, 2015</ref> Common causes of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia include genetic, environmental, and autoimmune factors.<ref name=wiki> Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Wikipedia (2015). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldenström%27s_macroglobulinemia#cite_note-19 Accessed on November 6, 2015</ref><ref name=uptodate> Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia. UpToDate (2015). http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia#H3 Accessed on November 6, 2015</ref> Common risk factors in the development of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia are Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, age >50 year old, white ethnicity, hereditary, hepatitis C, and immune disorders.<ref name="RF">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. American Cancer Society (2015)http://www.cancer.org/cancer/waldenstrommacroglobulinemia/detailedguide/waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia-risk-factors Accessed on November 6, 2015</ref> Genes involved in pathogenesis of Waldenström Macroglobulinemia include MYD88-L265P, CXCR4 and chromosomes 6q, 13q, 3q, 6p and 18q.<ref name="UTD">Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia. UpToDate (2015)http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia?source=see_link Accessed on November 9, 2015</ref> The progression to Waldenström Macroglobulinemia usually involves the MYD88/IRAK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR molecular pathway. <ref name="aa">Waldenström macroglobulinemia. International Waldenström Macroglobulinemia foundation (2015)http://www.iwmf.com/sites/default/files/docs/WM_Review_Ghobrial_Jan2014.pdf Accessed on November 12, 2015</ref> The hallmark of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is [[hyperviscosity syndrome]]. A positive history of oronasal bleeding and peripheral neuropathy is suggestive of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.<ref name="HF">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. UpToDate (2015)http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia?source=machineLearning&search=Waldenström%27s+macroglobulinemia&selectedTitle=1%7E80&sectionRank=3&anchor=H29#H6 Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref> If left untreated, patients with asymptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia may progress to develop symptomatic disease. Common complications of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia include [[hyperviscosity syndrome]], cold haemagglutinin disease, [[cryoglobulinemia]], [[peripheral neuropathy]], [[venous thromboembolism]], [[primary amyloidosis]], [[heart failure]], malabsorbtive diarrhea, and bleeding manifestations. Prognosis varies depending on the prognostic factors involved. Five year survival rate is 87% for low-risk disease and 36% for high-risk disease. <ref name="BM">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Patient (2015)http://patient.info/doctor/waldenstroms-macroglobulinaemia-pro Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref> Patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia usually appear oriented to time, place, and person. Physical examination of patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is usually remarkable for various findings depending on degree of tissue infiltration by malignant tumor cells, hyperviscosity syndrome, and accumulation of paraprotein.<ref name="COMP">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Medscape (2015)http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/207097-overview#a3 Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref> Elevated Beta-2-microglobulins are diagnostic of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. <ref name="LAB">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Medscape (2015)http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/207097-workup#c7 Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref> Biopsy specimen of bone marrow is usually hypercellular and infiltrated with lymphoid and plasmacytoid cells. Dutcher bodies (PAS positive Intranuclear vacuoles containing IgM monoclonal protein) are characteristic feature of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.<ref name="LR">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. UpToDate (2015)http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia?source=machineLearning&search=Waldenström%27s+macroglobulinemia&selectedTitle=1%7E80&sectionRank=3&anchor=H29#H18 Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref> In Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, Serum and urine protein electrophoresis is used as the screening test, while Serum and urine immunofixation is used as the confirmatory test.<ref name="LR">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. UpToDate (2015)http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia?source=machineLearning&search=Waldenström%27s+macroglobulinemia&selectedTitle=1%7E80&sectionRank=3&anchor=H29#H18 Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref> Risk stratification determines the protocol of management used for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia patients. Watchful waiting is recommended for asymptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Symptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is treated with [[Rituximab]] +/- [[Chemotherapy]].<ref name="PHARM">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Medscape (2015)http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2057687-overview Accessed on November 11, 2015</ref>


==Historical Perspective==
==Historical Perspective==
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia was first discovered by Jan G. Waldenström, a Swedish physician in 1944.<ref name="HP">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Wikipedia (2015)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldenström%27s_macroglobulinemia#Pathophysiology Accessed on November 6, 2015</ref>
Waldenström macroglobulinemia was first discovered by Jan G. Waldenström, a Swedish physician in 1944.


==Classification==
==Classification==
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia  is classified as a subtypes of [[Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma]] according to the new [[World Health Organization]] and the Revised European American Lymphoma (REAL) classifications.<ref name="HP">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Wikipedia (2015)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldenström%27s_macroglobulinemia#Pathophysiology Accessed on November 6, 2015</ref><ref name="class">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. International Waldenström's macroglobulinemia Foundation (2015)http://www.iwmf.com/sites/default/files/docs/WM_Review_Ghobrial_Jan2014.pdf Accessed on November 9, 2015</ref>
There is no established system for the classification of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.


==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
Waldenström Macroglobulinemia is uncontrolled clonal proliferation of terminally differentiated [[B lymphocyte]]s, which are normally involved in [[humoral immunity]].<ref name="HP"></ref> Genes involved in pathogenesis of Waldenström Macroglobulinemia include MYD88-L265P, CXCR4 and chromosomes 6q, 13q, 3q, 6p and 18q.<ref name="UTD">Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia. UpToDate (2015)http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia?source=see_link Accessed on November 9, 2015</ref> The progression to Waldenström Macroglobulinemia usually involves the MYD88/IRAK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR molecular pathway. <ref name="aa">Waldenström macroglobulinemia. International Waldenström Macroglobulinemia foundation (2015)http://www.iwmf.com/sites/default/files/docs/WM_Review_Ghobrial_Jan2014.pdf Accessed on November 12, 2015</ref>
Waldenström macroglobulinemia is an uncontrolled clonal proliferation of terminally differentiated [[B lymphocyte|B lymphocytes]], which are normally involved in [[humoral immunity]]. Genes involved in the pathogenesis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia include ''MYD88-L265P, and CXCR4''.


==Causes==
==Causes==
Common causes of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia include genetic, environmental, and autoimmune factors.<ref name=wiki> Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Wikipedia (2015). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldenström%27s_macroglobulinemia#cite_note-19 Accessed on November 6, 2015</ref><ref name=uptodate> Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia. UpToDate (2015). http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia#H3 Accessed on November 6, 2015</ref>
The exact cause of Waldenström macroglobulinemia has not been identified; however, the diesease has been highly associated with [[somatic]] [[mutations]] in [[MYD88]] and CXR4 [[genes]]. In addition, possible less common causes of the disease include ''[[Chromosome abnormality|chromosomal abnormalities]]'' and [[Environmental factor|environmental factors]].


==Differentiating Waldenström's macroglobulinemia from other B cell lymphoid neoplasms==
==Differentiating Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia from Other B Cell Lymphoid Neoplasms==
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia must be differentiated from [[Multiple myeloma]], [[Chronic lymphocytic leukemia]]/[[small lymphocytic lymphoma]], [[B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia]], [[Follicular lymphoma]], [[Mantle cell lymphoma]], and Marginal zone lymphoma. <ref name="UTD"></ref>
Waldenström macroglobulinemia must be differentiated from [[multiple myeloma]], [[chronic lymphocytic leukemia]]/[[small lymphocytic lymphoma]], [[b-cell prolymphocytic leukemia]], [[follicular lymphoma]], [[mantle cell lymphoma]], and marginal zone lymphoma.


==Epidemiology and Demographics==
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
The prevalence of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is estimated to be 1500 cases in United States annually. Waldenström's macroglobulinemia represents 1% of all hematological cancers.<ref name="wiki">Molecular pathogenesis of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia NCBI (2015) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3436227/ Accessed on November, 6 2015</ref>
The prevalence of Waldenström macroglobulinemia is estimated to be 1500 cases in United States annually. Waldenström's macroglobulinemia represents 1% of all [[hematological]] [[Cancer|cancers]].


==Risk factors==
==Risk factors==
Common risk factors in the development of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia are Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, age >50 year old, white ethnicity, hereditary, hepatitis C, and immune disorders.<ref name="RF">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. American Cancer Society (2015)http://www.cancer.org/cancer/waldenstrommacroglobulinemia/detailedguide/waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia-risk-factors Accessed on November 6, 2015</ref>
Common risk factors in the development of Waldenström macroglobulinemia are [[monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance]], [[Hereditary|heredity]], [[hepatitis C]], and [[autoimmune disorders]].


==Screening==
==Screening==
According to the the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF), there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.<ref name="US">Recommendations. US preventive services task force(2015) http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/BrowseRec/Search?s=medulloblastoma Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref>
According to the the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF), there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine [[screening]] for Waldenström macroglobulinemia.


==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==
==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==
If left untreated, patients with asymptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia may progress to develop symptomatic disease. Common complications of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia include [[hyperviscosity syndrome]], cold haemagglutinin disease, [[cryoglobulinemia]], [[peripheral neuropathy]], [[venous thromboembolism]], [[primary amyloidosis]], [[heart failure]], malabsorbtive diarrhea, and bleeding manifestations. Prognosis varies depending on the prognostic factors involved. Five year survival rate is 87% for low-risk disease and 36% for high-risk disease. <ref name="BM">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Patient (2015)http://patient.info/doctor/waldenstroms-macroglobulinaemia-pro Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref>
If left untreated, patients with asymptomatic Waldenström macroglobulinemia may progress to develop [[fatigue]], [[weight loss]], [[peripheral neuropathy]] and other symptoms of the disease. Common complications of Waldenström macroglobulinemia include [[hyperviscosity syndrome]], [[Cold agglutinin disease|cold haemagglutinin disease]], [[cryoglobulinemia]], [[peripheral neuropathy]], [[primary amyloidosis]], [[Renal insufficiency|renal insufficiency,]] [[Diarrhea|malabsorbtive diarrhea]], and [[Blurred vision|visual abnormalities]]. [[Prognosis]] varies depending on the various factors involved. Five year survival rate is 87% for low-risk disease and 36% for high-risk disease.
 
==History and symptoms==
== Diagnostic Study of Choice ==
The hallmark of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is [[hyperviscosity syndrome]]. A positive history of oronasal bleeding and peripheral neuropathy is suggestive of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.<ref name="HF">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. UpToDate (2015)http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia?source=machineLearning&search=Waldenström%27s+macroglobulinemia&selectedTitle=1%7E80&sectionRank=3&anchor=H29#H6 Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref>
The diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia is based on [[bone marrow biopsy]] and serum [[protein]] analysis.
 
==History and Symptoms==
Many patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia are [[asymptomatic]]. The disease is subtle and symptoms are nonspecific. The most common symptoms of Waldenström macroglobulinemia include [[weakness]], [[anorexia]], [[Blurred vision|blurry vision]], [[peripheral neuropathy]], and [[weight loss]]. Less common symptoms of the disease include [[bleeding]] and [[Raynaud's phenomenon|Raynaud phenomenon]].
   
   
==Physical Examination==
==Physical Examination==
Patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia usually appear oriented to time, place, and person. Physical examination of patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is usually remarkable for various findings depending on degree of tissue infiltration by malignant tumor cells, hyperviscosity syndrome, and accumulation of paraprotein.<ref name="COMP">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Medscape (2015)http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/207097-overview#a3 Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref>
Patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia usually appear oriented to time, place, and person. Physical examination of patients with waldenström's macroglobulinemia is usually remarkable for various findings depending on the degree of tissue infiltration by malignant tumor cells, [[hyperviscosity syndrome]], and accumulation of [[paraprotein]].


==Laboratory Findings==
==Laboratory Findings==
Elevated Beta-2-microglobulins are diagnostic of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. <ref name="LAB">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Medscape (2015)http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/207097-workup#c7 Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref>
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia include any [[cytopenia]], elevated [[Lactate dehydrogenase|LDH]], and elevated [[Beta-2 microglobulin]].


==Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy==
==Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy==
Bone marrow aspirate is frequently hypocellular in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Biopsy specimen of bone marrow is usually hypercellular and infiltrated with lymphoid and plasmacytoid cells. Dutcher bodies (PAS positive Intranuclear vacuoles containing IgM monoclonal protein) are characteristic feature of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.<ref name="LR">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. UpToDate (2015)http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia?source=machineLearning&search=Waldenström%27s+macroglobulinemia&selectedTitle=1%7E80&sectionRank=3&anchor=H29#H18 Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref>
A [[bone marrow aspiration]] may be helpful in the diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia, while a [[bone marrow biopsy]] is diagnostic of Waldenström macroglobulinemia.


==Electrophoresis and Immunofixation==
==Electrophoresis and Immunofixation==
In Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, Serum and urine protein electrophoresis is used as the screening test, while Serum and urine immunofixation is used as the confirmatory test.<ref name="LR">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. UpToDate (2015)http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia?source=machineLearning&search=Waldenström%27s+macroglobulinemia&selectedTitle=1%7E80&sectionRank=3&anchor=H29#H18 Accessed on November 10, 2015</ref>
[[Protein electrophoresis|Serum protein electrophoresis]] and [[immunofixation]] are important for the diagnosis of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.


==Chest x-ray==
==Chest x-ray==
On chest x-ray, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia may be characterized by pulmonary infiltrates, nodules, effusion, and congestive heart failure.<ref name="LAB"></ref>
On chest x-ray, waldenström's macroglobulinemia may be characterized by pulmonary infiltrates, nodules, effusion, and congestive heart failure.


==CT scan==
==CT scan==
CT scan imaging of chest, abdomen, and pelvis may show evidence of adenopathy, and hepatomegaly.<ref name="LAB"></ref>
In Waldenström macroglobulinemia, CT scan imaging of chest, abdomen, and pelvis may show evidences of [[lymphadenopathy]], and [[hepatomegaly]].
 
==MRI==
MRI of the spine may show bone marrow involvement. <ref name="LAB"></ref>


==Other Diagnostic Studies==
==Other Diagnostic Studies==
Patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia should have nerve conduction study and [[antimyelin associated glycoprotein]] serology done.<ref name="LR">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. UpToDate (2015)http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia?source=machineLearning&search=Waldenström%27s+macroglobulinemia&selectedTitle=1%7E80&sectionRank=3&anchor=H29#H18 Accessed on November 11, 2015</ref>
Other diagnostic studies for Waldenström macroglobulinemia include [[nerve conduction study]], [[electromyography]], [[Fundoscopy|funduscopy]], and [[Viscosity|plasma viscosity]].


==Medical Therapy==
==Medical Therapy==
Risk stratification determines the protocol of management used for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia patients. Watchful waiting is recommended for asymptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Symptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is treated with [[Rituximab]] +/- [[Chemotherapy]].<ref name="PHARM">Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Medscape (2015)http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2057687-overview Accessed on November 11, 2015</ref>
Risk stratification determines the protocol of management used for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia patients. Watchful waiting is recommended for asymptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Symptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is treated with [[Rituximab]] +/- [[Chemotherapy]].


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 18:42, 31 October 2018

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mirdula Sharma, MBBS [2]

Overview

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the presence of a serum IgM paraprotein associated with infiltration of the bone marrow by lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a type of lymphoproliferative disease involving lymphocytes with IgM as the main attributing antibody, and shares clinical characteristics with the indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Waldenström's macroglobulinemia was first discovered by Jan G. Waldenström, and represents 1% of all hematological cancers. Common causes of this disease include genetic, environmental, and autoimmune factors, while common risk factors include monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, age >50 year old, white ethnicity, heredity, hepatitis C, and immune disorders. Genes involved in pathogenesis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia include MYD88-L265P, CXCR4 and chromosomes 6q, 13q, 3q, 6p and 18q. The hallmark of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is hyperviscosity syndrome. If left untreated, patients with asymptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia may progress to develop symptomatic disease. Common complications of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia include hyperviscosity syndrome, cold haemagglutinin disease, cryoglobulinemia, peripheral neuropathy, venous thromboembolism, primary amyloidosis, malabsorbtive diarrhea, and bleeding manifestations. Prognosis varies depending on the multiple factors involved. Five year survival rate is 87% for low-risk disease and 36% for high-risk disease. Signs and symptoms of patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemias depend on the degree of tissue infiltration by malignant tumor cells, hyperviscosity syndrome, and accumulation of paraprotein. The diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia is based on bone marrow biopsy and serum protein analysis. Risk stratification determines the protocol of management used for Waldenström macroglobulinemia patients. Watchful waiting is recommended for asymptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Symptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is treated with Rituximab +/- Chemotherapy.

Historical Perspective

Waldenström macroglobulinemia was first discovered by Jan G. Waldenström, a Swedish physician in 1944.

Classification

There is no established system for the classification of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.

Pathophysiology

Waldenström macroglobulinemia is an uncontrolled clonal proliferation of terminally differentiated B lymphocytes, which are normally involved in humoral immunity. Genes involved in the pathogenesis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia include MYD88-L265P, and CXCR4.

Causes

The exact cause of Waldenström macroglobulinemia has not been identified; however, the diesease has been highly associated with somatic mutations in MYD88 and CXR4 genes. In addition, possible less common causes of the disease include chromosomal abnormalities and environmental factors.

Differentiating Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia from Other B Cell Lymphoid Neoplasms

Waldenström macroglobulinemia must be differentiated from multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, b-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and marginal zone lymphoma.

Epidemiology and Demographics

The prevalence of Waldenström macroglobulinemia is estimated to be 1500 cases in United States annually. Waldenström's macroglobulinemia represents 1% of all hematological cancers.

Risk factors

Common risk factors in the development of Waldenström macroglobulinemia are monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, heredity, hepatitis C, and autoimmune disorders.

Screening

According to the the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF), there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for Waldenström macroglobulinemia.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

If left untreated, patients with asymptomatic Waldenström macroglobulinemia may progress to develop fatigue, weight loss, peripheral neuropathy and other symptoms of the disease. Common complications of Waldenström macroglobulinemia include hyperviscosity syndrome, cold haemagglutinin disease, cryoglobulinemia, peripheral neuropathy, primary amyloidosis, renal insufficiency, malabsorbtive diarrhea, and visual abnormalities. Prognosis varies depending on the various factors involved. Five year survival rate is 87% for low-risk disease and 36% for high-risk disease.

Diagnostic Study of Choice

The diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia is based on bone marrow biopsy and serum protein analysis.

History and Symptoms

Many patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia are asymptomatic. The disease is subtle and symptoms are nonspecific. The most common symptoms of Waldenström macroglobulinemia include weakness, anorexia, blurry vision, peripheral neuropathy, and weight loss. Less common symptoms of the disease include bleeding and Raynaud phenomenon.

Physical Examination

Patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia usually appear oriented to time, place, and person. Physical examination of patients with waldenström's macroglobulinemia is usually remarkable for various findings depending on the degree of tissue infiltration by malignant tumor cells, hyperviscosity syndrome, and accumulation of paraprotein.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia include any cytopenia, elevated LDH, and elevated Beta-2 microglobulin.

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

A bone marrow aspiration may be helpful in the diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia, while a bone marrow biopsy is diagnostic of Waldenström macroglobulinemia.

Electrophoresis and Immunofixation

Serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation are important for the diagnosis of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.

Chest x-ray

On chest x-ray, waldenström's macroglobulinemia may be characterized by pulmonary infiltrates, nodules, effusion, and congestive heart failure.

CT scan

In Waldenström macroglobulinemia, CT scan imaging of chest, abdomen, and pelvis may show evidences of lymphadenopathy, and hepatomegaly.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Other diagnostic studies for Waldenström macroglobulinemia include nerve conduction study, electromyography, funduscopy, and plasma viscosity.

Medical Therapy

Risk stratification determines the protocol of management used for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia patients. Watchful waiting is recommended for asymptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Symptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is treated with Rituximab +/- Chemotherapy.

References

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