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Ptosis in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia
S R Klapper1, D R Jordan, C Pelletier
1University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Ontario, Canada.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 4, 1998
Summary
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia can cause eyelid thickening and ptosis. This case report details a patient with chronic blepharoptosis due to this rare lymphoproliferative disorder.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by malignant lymphoplasmacytoid cells producing monoclonal IgM.
- Blepharoptosis, or drooping of the upper eyelid, can have various causes, including mechanical, neurological, and myogenic factors.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old woman presented with chronic, progressive unilateral blepharoptosis.
- Physical examination revealed a thickened and indurated tarsal plate in the affected eyelid.
Findings:
- Biopsy of the tarsal plate demonstrated a lymphoplasmacytoid cell infiltrate.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the infiltrate was consistent with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.
Implications:
- This case identifies Waldenström's macroglobulinemia as a novel cause of eyelid thickening and blepharoptosis.
- Ophthalmologists and hematologists should consider this rare condition in the differential diagnosis of unexplained ptosis.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms of ocular involvement in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.