Bevacizumab in macular serous detachments associated with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia

Abstract

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a lymphoproliferative B-cell disorder characterized by monoclonal proliferation of immunoglobulin M. WM can be associated with impressive hyperviscosity retinopathy and a unique tendency to develop serous macular detachments. These have been described as immunogammopathy maculopathy and portend a poor visual prognosis, often persisting despite multiple plasmapheresis treatments. In this case report, the authors demonstrate the accelerated resolution of hyperviscosity retinopathy and associated macular detachments in a patient with WM with marked visual improvement. This case report serves to raise awareness of the potential role of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor modulation in the treatment of patients with hyperviscosity retinopathy associated with WM.