May 6, 2026 - Medically Reviewed.Last updated on 04/06/2026. Hyperviscosity syndrome occurs when blood thickens and doesn’t flow freely through blood vessels. Without treatment, this condition could lead to severe complications, including reduced blood flow to your vital organs.

May 13, 2026 - Access free multiple choice questions on this topic. Hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS) is an oncologic emergency that classically presents with the triad of neurological deficits, visual changes, and mucosal bleeding. Elevated blood viscosity results from either red blood cell shape deformity or ...

September 22, 2025 - Plasmapheresis may be used to decrease viscosity in the case of myeloma, whereas leukapheresis or phlebotomy may be employed in a leukemic or polycythemic crisis, respectively. Blood transfusions should be used with caution as they can increase serum viscosity.

April 27, 2025 - This is a group of rare syndromes in which white blood cells attack healthy cells. This disruption leads to hyperviscosity. Hyperviscosity can affect your entire body. The symptoms of hyperviscosity can look very different depending on the cause of the syndrome. Some of the symptoms manifest as: ... Hyperviscosity is treated by a team of specialists, including a hematologist, nephrologist, oncologist, internist, and intensivist. It is technically classified as a medical emergency and it is vital to treat it quickly.

April 1, 2026 - Eye exams can reveal sausage-shaped veins in your retina, a telltale sign of hyperviscosity. While routine blood panels can show clues like elevated red blood cells or abnormal proteins, specialized viscosity testing is needed for confirmation.

May 16, 2025 - Confusion and mental status changes result from the increased viscosity of the blood and decreased cerebral blood flow. This sludging leads to segmental dilatation of retinal veins and retinal hemorrhages.

November 28, 2024 - This condition often shows itself through a combination of symptoms affecting the skin, brain, and vision. Common signs are bleeding from the skin or moist surfaces in the body, like a bloody nose, bleeding gums, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Hyperviscosity Syndrome: Understanding a Complex Condition Introduction Hyperviscosity Syndrome (HVS) is a medical condition characterized by an increased viscosity (thickness) of the blood, which can lead to various health complications.

May 15, 2018 - In adults, hyperviscosity syndrome typically causes symptoms when blood viscosity is between 6 and 7, measured relative to saline, but it can be lower.

December 22, 2025 - Symptoms reflect microcirculatory hypoperfusion and reduced tissue oxygenation due to stasis of hyperviscous blood or thrombosis in the venous/arterial circulation (typically in polycythemia vera).

May 16, 2025 - Cardiopulmonary examination may reveal signs of congestive heart failure with volume overload (rales, lower extremity edema, elevated jugular venous pressure, and hypoxia) ... Increased serum viscosity usually results from increased circulating serum immunoglobulins and can be seen in Waldenström macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma, cryoglobulinemia, and Sjögren syndrome. [14, 15] Less commonly, the hyperproliferative blood cell disorders such as the leukemias, myeloproliferative diseases, polycythemia, or thrombocytosis may be implicated for the increased viscosity caused by proliferation of their respective cellular components.

... Hyperviscosity syndrome is a medical emergency that requires prompt identification and treatment. The classic triad of hyperviscosity syndrome is mucosal/skin bleeding, neurologic deficits, and visual disturbances.

Hyperviscosity syndrome in myeloma ... centipoise (1.56 to 1.68 cp) has been associated with symptoms.76,77 The clinical signs are bleeding, visual signs and symptoms, and delirium....

Clinically, the concern is increased blood viscosity, which may occur when the blood contains more cells (especially red cells), more plasma proteins, and/or less plasma (the liquid portion of blood). Higher viscosity can contribute to circulation problems and, in some settings, increase thrombotic risk—so persistent abnormalities should be assessed in medical context rather than self-interpreted.

September 27, 2018 - Blood 2018; 132 (13): 1379–1385. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2018-06-846816 ... Plasma hyperviscosity is a rare complication of both monoclonal and polyclonal disorders associated with elevation of immunoglobulins. Asymptomatic patients with an elevation in the serum viscosity do not require plasma exchange, and the majority will have other indications for therapeutic intervention.

Hyperviscosity may be suspected based on finding high serum protein (usually >10 g/dl) or on physical characteristics of serum (i.e., viscous or syrup-like). Polycythemia (packed cell volume [PCV] > 60%) can also cause increased blood viscosity and should be eliminated as a possibility in patients showing clinical signs of hyperviscosity.

August 26, 2024 - Symptoms can include fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, and frequent headaches. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it could be a sign of an underlying cardiovascular issue, and it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

November 26, 2025 - Knowing whether your blood is too ... measuring clotting function and viscosity directly. Recognizing key warning signs such as frequent headaches, cold extremities, unexplained swelling alongside personal history enables early detection before serious complications ari...

May 16, 2025 - Workup: Hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS) refers to the clinical sequelae of increased blood viscosity. Increased serum viscosity usually results from increased circulating serum immunoglobulins and can be seen in such diseases as Waldenström macroglobulinemia and multiple myeloma.

Treatment and Management: Management of high blood viscosity can involve hydration therapy and medications that alter blood composition, which can improve overall patient outcomes. Signs of High Blood Viscosity: Symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and reduced blood flow to organs may indicate ...