Question

A 57-year-old man presents to the ED with severe dyspnea and frothy sputum. What is the most common etiology of this disease process?

a) Acute myeloid leukemia
b) Multiple myeloma
c) Polycythemia vera
d) Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Answer 1

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia is the most common etiology of severe dyspnea and frothy sputum in a 57-year-old man.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most common etiology of severe dyspnea and frothy sputum in a 57-year-old man is d) Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia is a condition characterized by the production of abnormal proteins called monoclonal IgM antibodies. These antibodies thicken the blood, leading to poor blood flow and multiple organ damage, including lung involvement.