Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia with herpes zoster, a case report and review literature

Abstract

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a variant of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. In WHO classification of hematolymphoid malignancy 2016, WM has been placed in between lymphoma and plasma cell myeloma under the broad heading “Neoplasms of mature lymphocytes”. This is a rare and slowly progressive disorder, which needs therapy only when symptoms appear. The average age of diagnosis is 60–70 years. WM may progress to lymphoma in 2% cases per year. Here, we are discussing a case of WM having typical findings of this rare disease, who presented with 10%–12% plasma cell in bone marrow aspirate smear, high immunoglobulin M, high beta 2 microglobulin, bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy and gastrointestinal bleeding. At present, the patient is on chlorambucil plus prednisolone therapy and is doing well. Typically, this case presented with lesions of herpes zoster, which makes this case further uncommon.

Keywords

• herpes zoster
• immunoglobulin m monoclonal gammopathy
• lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma
• waldenstrom macroglobulinemia