Abdominal Computed Tomography in Macroglobulinemia (Waldenström's Disease)

Abstract

The findings at abdominal computed tomography (CT) in a patient with primary macroglobulinemia (Waldenström's disease) are reported. CT was of special value in monitoring the extent of the disease in the abdomen and the response to treatment. At the first examination the patient had changes in both the reticuloendothelial system and the small bowel. The prompt disappearance on treatment of the small bowel changes proves that these changes were due to a high plasma viscosity syndrome. The slow response on the liver, spleen and lymph nodes suggests lymphomatous engagement. Although the primary method to diagnose Waldenström's disease is through laboratory tests, CT is of use in monitoring the abdominal involvement, especially the response to treatment.