Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Report of an autopsy case presenting with a pulmonary manifestation

Abstract

An autopsy case of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is reported, in whom an abnormal pulmonary shadow had already existed 2 years before the diagnosis of the disease and was proved to be pulmonary involvement. Immunoelectrophoresis demonstrated a monoclonal increase in immunoglobulin M with kappa light chain. A chest X-ray film showed a reticulo-nodular shadow in the right lower lobe of the lung. A bronchial biopsy specimen revealed a diffuse and dense lymphocytic infiltration. Bone marrow aspirate revealed no remarkable change except for a slight increase in plasma cells (1.7%) and an appearance of atypical lymphocytes (0.5%). At autopsy, more than half of the right lower lobe of the lung was occupied by a pale whitish, viscid and glossy tumour mass. Heptosplenomegaly and lymph node enlargement were not observed. Histological findings of the tumour tissue were similar to those of the biopsy specimen. Lymphocytic infiltration was observed also in the liver, kidneys, spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes, but was of minor degree. Other reported cases of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia accompanied by pulmonary involvement are reviewed.