Unique association of Waldenström macroglobulinemia with optic neuritis and monoclonal T cell expansion

Int J Hematol. 2013 Aug;98(2):247-9. doi: 10.1007/s12185-013-1372-2. Epub 2013 Jun 7.

Abstract

Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma characterized by production of the immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal protein. Commonly involved sites are the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. Lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the central nervous system (CNS), in contrast, is referred to as Bing-Neel syndrome, and is an extremely rare phenomenon. Here, we present a unique case of Waldenström macroglobulinemia with optic neuritis accompanied by monoclonal expansion of T cells, which recovered after administration of CNS-targeting chemotherapy. Although the underlying causal relationships in this case remain obscure, aberrantly expanded T cells may have contributed to the development of optic neuritis, and we should be reminded that some types of cranial neuropathy in Waldenström macroglobulinemia may be reversible.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Nerve Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Optic Nerve Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Optic Neuritis* / drug therapy
  • Optic Neuritis* / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia* / drug therapy
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia* / pathology