Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Published on: June 18, 2020
[Hyperviscosity syndrome]
G Dumas1, S Merceron1, L Zafrani1
1Service de réanimation médicale, hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, 1, avenue Claude-Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France.
Abstract:
Hyperviscosity syndrome is a life-threatening complication. Clinical manifestations include neurological impairment, visual disturbance and bleeding. Measurement of plasma or serum viscosity by a viscometer assesses the diagnosis. Funduscopic examination is a key exam because abnormalities are well-correlated with abnormal plasma viscosity. Etiologies are various but symptomatic hyperviscosity is more common in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and multiple myeloma. Prompt treatment is needed: treatment of the underlying disease should be considered, but generally not sufficient. Symptomatic measures aim to not exacerbate blood viscosity while urgent plasmapheresis effectively reduces the paraprotein concentration and relieves symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
Viscosity of Fluid
Viscosity
The SI unit of viscosity is...
Viscosity
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

