macroglobulinaemiamedical dictionary

The presence of increased levels of macroglobulins in the circulating blood.

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia, macroglobulinaemia occurring in elderly persons, characterised by proliferation of cells resembling lymphocytes or plasma cells in the bone marrow, anaemia, increased sedimentation rate, and hyperglobulinaemia with a narrow peak in gamma-globulin or b2-globulin at about 19 S units. The spleen, liver, or lymph nodes are often enlarged and there is frequently purpura or mucosal bleeding.

Synonyms: hyperglobulinaemic purpura, Waldenstrom's purpura, Waldenstrom's syndrome.

American spelling: macroglobulinemia

(05 Mar 2000)