[Serum hyperviscosity syndrome: Update 2024]

Rev Med Interne. 2024 Dec;45(12):759-766. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2024.07.008. Epub 2024 Aug 7.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Seric hyperviscosity syndrome is a medical emergency linked to hyperproteinemia. The clinical diagnosis hinges on a triad of symptoms: mucosal hemorrhages, visual disturbances, and neurological disorders, observed in the most severe cases. Diagnosis is swiftly confirmed through an urgent fundoscopic examination. Therapeutic plasma exchange is the primary treatment for severe cases or following confirmation by fundoscopy. Laboratory tests predominantly identify the syndrome's etiology, with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (characterized by a marked IgM peak) being the most common cause, followed by multiple myeloma and cryoglobulinemias. To prevent recurrence, targeted treatment of the underlying cause is implemented following plasma exchange sessions.

Keywords: Hyperprotidemia; Hyperprotidémie; Hyperviscosity; Hyperviscosité; Plasma exchange; Waldenström; Échanges Plasmatiques.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Viscosity* / physiology
  • Cryoglobulinemia / blood
  • Cryoglobulinemia / complications
  • Cryoglobulinemia / diagnosis
  • Cryoglobulinemia / therapy
  • Humans
  • Multiple Myeloma / blood
  • Multiple Myeloma / complications
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy
  • Plasma Exchange / methods
  • Syndrome
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia* / blood
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia* / complications
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia* / diagnosis
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia* / therapy