Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
09:44
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia and sensorineural hearing loss
M J Syms1, M E Arcila, M R Holtel
1House Ear Institute and House Ear Clinic, Los Angeles, CA 90057, USA.
American Journal of Otolaryngology
|September 20, 2001
Summary
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) can cause hearing loss, a rare symptom. Treatment with Fludarabine improved hearing and neurological deficits in a patient with WM.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Neurology
Background:
- Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) is an uncommon lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the abnormal production of IgM monoclonal macroglobulin.
- Common symptoms include fatigue, bleeding, retinal lesions, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, neuropathy, anemia, and hyperviscosity.
Observation:
- Hearing loss is an unusual presenting symptom of WM, with only six prior cases reported.
- This case highlights a patient whose initial symptoms were hearing loss and sensory peripheral neuropathy.
Findings:
- The patient presented with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, initially manifesting as hearing loss and progressive sensory peripheral neuropathy.
- Subsequent development of lymphadenopathy and hyperviscosity syndrome was observed.
- Treatment with Fludarabine resulted in significant improvement in hearing and neurological deficits.
Implications:
- This case underscores that hearing loss can be an initial presenting symptom of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
- It suggests hyperviscosity and thrombus formation as potential etiologies for WM-associated hearing loss.
- Effective treatment of WM can lead to the resolution of hyperviscosity-related symptoms, including hearing and neurological deficits.
