Definition
Often found in paraproteinemias most common Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, polycythemia, leukocytosis; symptoms include visual changes, headache, vertigo, nystagmus, dizziness, sudden deafness, diplopia, ataxia, confusion, dementia, stroke or coma. A classic triad includes visual changes, bleeding and neurological complaints. Most symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome occur with levels >4 centipoises (normal </=1.8). Most patients are symptomatic with a CP >6. These findings are due to decreased microcirculation perfusion and stasis due to sludging of the circulating serum. Most urgent care is needed when CNS, ophthalmic, or cardiopulmonary system involvement is suspected.
Therapy
Non-pharmacological
Treatment is dependent upon cause but usually comprises of either leukapheresis/plasmapharesis and/or phlebotomy followed by chemotherapy against the offending pathology.
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References
Marx J, et al (2002) Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, 5th ed, Mosby, Philadelphia, p 1706
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© 2004 Springer-Verlag
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(2004). Hyperviscosity syndrome. In: Moreland, L.W. (eds) Rheumatology and Immunology Therapy. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-29662-X_1304
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-29662-X_1304
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-20625-5
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