Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom

Alternative names:

macroglobulinemia - primary; Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia

Definition:

A malignant disease of B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) with overproduction of monoclonal macroglobulin (IgM antibody).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of this disease is unknown. It affects people over 50 years old. Overproduction of IgM causes a marked increase in the viscosity (thickness) of the blood. This hyperviscosity interferes with blood flow through small blood vessels and causes many of the symptoms of the disease. Risk factors are unknown.

The incidence is 5 out of 100,000 people.