Bing-Neel Syndrome revisited

Clin Lymphoma Myeloma. 2009 Mar;9(1):104-6. doi: 10.3816/CLM.2009.n.028.

Abstract

Since the 1936 seminal description of neurologic difficulties in patients with hyperglobulinemia, the "Bing-Neel Syndrome" has been applied to a range of neurologic symptoms. To clarify the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), we performed a literature search (years 1936 to 2008) of reports of "Bing-Neel Syndrome" or "WM affecting the CNS" (WM-CNS). We excluded cases of hyperviscosity, malignant transformation, vasculitis, and purely ophthalmologic manifestations. After analysis of symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), imaging, and histopathology, we separate WM-CNS into (1) lymphoplasmacytoid cells infiltrating the CNS, and (2) a non-cellular form, in which other mechanisms, such as IgM deposition, might produce the neurologic symptoms.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Syndrome
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / diagnosis*
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / pathology