Cryoglobulins

J Clin Pathol. 2002 Jan;55(1):4-13. doi: 10.1136/jcp.55.1.4.

Abstract

Serum cryoglobulins are found in a wide spectrum of disorders but are often transient and without clinical implications. Monoclonal cryoglobulins are usually associated with haematological disorders, whereas mixed cryoglobulins are found in many infectious and systemic disorders. So called essential mixed cryoglobulinaemia shows a striking association with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (> 90%). It is a systemic vasculitis (leucocytoclastic vasculitis) with cutaneous and multiple visceral organ involvement. Chronic HCV infection can lead to a constellation of autoimmune and neoplastic disorders. In this review, the aetiology, diagnosis, disease heterogeneity, and treatment of cryoglobulinaemia are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmunity
  • Cryoglobulinemia / diagnosis
  • Cryoglobulinemia / therapy
  • Cryoglobulinemia / virology*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / complications*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / immunology
  • Humans
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / virology