Cryoglobulinemia overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2] Ayesha A. Khan, MD[3]
Overview
Cryoglobulinemia is the presence of high amount of heavy globulins (e.g. IgM) in the bloodstream which thicken or gel on exposure to cold. Cryoglobulins are circulating immunoglobulins or proteins that become insoluble at less than 4 degrees Celsius. The reaction is reversible; redissolution occurs at 37 degrees Celsius. Such proteins are called cryoglobulins. Cryoglobulinemia can lead to a medium-sized vessel vasculitis due to vascular deposition of circulating immune complexes. This leads to the triad of palpable purpura, arthralgias and peripheral neuropathy. The relationship of cryoglobulins and hepatitis C infection as well as B cell neoplasia provides an interesting link between infection, autoimmune disease and lymphoproliferative disorders.