[Hyperviscosity syndrome]

Rev Med Interne. 2015 Sep;36(9):588-95. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2015.02.005. Epub 2015 Mar 13.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Hyperviscosity syndrome is a life-threatening complication. Clinical manifestations include neurological impairment, visual disturbance and bleeding. Measurement of plasma or serum viscosity by a viscometer assesses the diagnosis. Funduscopic examination is a key exam because abnormalities are well-correlated with abnormal plasma viscosity. Etiologies are various but symptomatic hyperviscosity is more common in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and multiple myeloma. Prompt treatment is needed: treatment of the underlying disease should be considered, but generally not sufficient. Symptomatic measures aim to not exacerbate blood viscosity while urgent plasmapheresis effectively reduces the paraprotein concentration and relieves symptoms.

Keywords: Gammapathie monoclonale; Hyperviscosity syndrome; Paraprotein; Plasmapheresis; Syndrome d’hyperviscosité; Échange plasmatique.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / diagnosis
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / etiology
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / therapy*
  • Blood Coagulation Tests
  • Blood Viscosity*
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Hemorrhage / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Ophthalmoscopy
  • Syndrome
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / diagnosis
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / therapy