Hyperviscosity syndrome

Hyperviscosity syndrome is a medical condition characterized by increased thickness or stickiness of the blood, leading to slow blood flow and potentially serious health complications. It is often associated with certain diseases and conditions, such as Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma, and polycythemia vera.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome can vary widely, depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Common symptoms may include:

• Bleeding or bruising easily
• Blurred vision or vision loss
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

Causes

Hyperviscosity syndrome can be caused by a variety of conditions that increase the number of certain types of cells or proteins in the blood. These can include:

• Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells
• Polycythemia vera, a slow-growing blood cancer
• Leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow
• Certain types of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hyperviscosity syndrome typically involves a combination of physical examination, patient history, and laboratory tests. These tests may include:

• Blood tests to measure the number and types of cells in the blood
• Viscosity tests to measure the thickness of the blood
• Imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans to check for complications

Treatment

Treatment for hyperviscosity syndrome typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This may include:

• Chemotherapy or other treatments for cancer
• Phlebotomy to remove excess blood cells
• Plasma exchange to remove excess proteins from the blood

See also

• Blood disorders
• Hematology
• Oncology

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