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w
Symbol for workshop used for histocompatibility (HLA)
antigen and cluster of differentiation (CD) designations
when new antigenic specificities have not been conclusively
decided. After authorities agree upon the specificities, the w
is removed from the designation.
Waaler–Rose test
Refer to Rose–Waaler test.
Waldenström, Jan Gosta (1906–)
Swedish physician who described the macroglobulinemia that
now bears his name. He received the Gairdner Award in 1966.
Alb.
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia.
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia
This paraproteinemia is second in frequency only to multiple
myeloma and usually occurs in people over 50 years of
age. It manifests in various clinical forms. Most features of
the disease relate to the oversynthesis of monoclonal IgM.
Relatively mild cases may be characterized by anemia and
weakness or pain in the abdomen resulting from enlargement
of the spleen and liver. A major difference from
IgM
α 1 α 2 β γ
Alb. α 1 α 2 β γ
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia with IgM spike.
W
multiple myeloma is a lack of osteolytic lesions of the skeleton,
although patients may have peripheral lymphadenopathy.
On bone marrow examination, many kinds of cells are
found with characteristics of plasma cells and lymphocytes
constituting so-called lymphocytoid plasma cells. Many are
transitional or intermediate between one type or another.
Patients may develop bleeding disorders due to paraproteins
in their circulation. The more severe forms are characterized
by features that resemble chronic lymphocytic leukemia
or even lymphosarcoma with a rapidly fatal course.
Many individuals may develop anemia. The large molecules
of IgM (molecular weight approaching one million) lead
to increased blood viscosity. Central nervous system and
visual difficulties may also be manifested.
Waldeyer’s
ring
Waldeyer’s ring.
Waldeyer’s ring
A circular arrangement of lymphoid tissue composed of tonsils
and adenoids encircling the pharynx–oral cavity junction.
warm agglutinin disease
Immunoglobulin G (IgG)-induced autoimmune hemolysis.
Two fifths of cases are secondary to other diseases such
as neoplasia, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and
ovarian tumors. It may also be secondary to connective
tissue diseases such as lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid
arthritis, and progressive systemic sclerosis. Patients experience
hemolysis leading to anemia with fatigue, dizziness,
palpitations, exertion dyspnea, mild jaundice, and splenomegaly
and manifest positive Coombs’ antiglobulin tests.
Their erythrocytes appear as spherocytes and schistocytes,
and they show evidence of erythrophagocytosis. Erythroid
747
W