Histologic findings in hyperviscosity syndrome: Evidence of a rheologic mechanism of tissue damage

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Di Lollo, F.^{a; b} | Di Lollo, S.^{a; b} | Bartoli, V.^{a; b}

Affiliations: [a] Divisione di Medicina Interna, U.S.L. 10/D, Policlinico di Careggi, Florence | [b] Istituto di Anatomia Patologica and Cattedra di Patologia Medica IV, University of Florence

Note: [] Accepted by: Editor J.A. Dormandy

Abstract: Morphologic features of two cases of hyperviscosity syndrome are shown. They concern both the vessels and the surrounding tissue. The most distinctive features are the engorgement of small vessels by clumps of red cells, which appear often distorted and irregular in shape, and perivascular and pericellular edema. The vessel wall may be thin and normal in appearance at microscopic examination or thickened by a deposition of PAS-positive material. The connection between the impairment of microcirculation and the lesion of the surrounding tissue appears documented by the morphologic findings.

Keywords: Hyperviscosity Syndrome, Plasma cell dyscrasias, Cryoglobulinemia, Small vessel engorgement, Perivascular and pericellular edema

DOI: 10.3233/CH-1985-5402

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 291-300, 1985