Dermatology - Cryoglobulinemia

Dermatology - Cryoglobulinemia 

Serum immunoglobulin complexed with other immunoglobulins or proteins (which precipitates at low temperatures and redissolves at 37°C) is known as cryoglobulinemia. Cryoglobinemia is linked to a number of diseases, such as connective tissue diseases, autoimmune diseases, multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, B cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, and viral or bacterial infections.

Less than 50% of cases have cold sensitivity. After being exposed to the cold, one may have chills, fever, dyspnea, or diarrhea. Purpura may also occur after extended standing or sitting. Arthralgia, renal symptoms, neurologic symptoms, stomach discomfort, or arterial thrombosis may be caused by involvement of other organ systems. 30% to 60% of people with essential mixed cryoglobinemia go on to experience hypertension, edema, or renal failure as a result of renal illness. Peripheral sensory polyneuropathy, which presents as paresthesias or foot drop, is a sign of neurologic involvement. Hepatosplenomegaly and arthritis could be present.

Noninflammatory purpura develops at cold-exposed areas, like the nose tip or the ear helix. It is possible to witness acrocyanosis and Raynaud phenomenon, either with or without serious gangrene resulting in the fingertips, toes, or other areas of the arms and legs. Due to hypersensitivity vasculitis, there may be palpable purpura with bullae and necroses; these are brought on by standing up or being chilly, and they appear as crops on the lower extremities that extend to the thighs and abdomen. Most cases of livedo reticularis occur in the upper and lower extremities. Purpura may be accompanied by cold-induced urticaria.

Cryoglobulin levels and the underlying illness diagnosis validate the diagnosis.
Address the underlying illness.