| Names |
- Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia
- Autoimmune cryoglobulinemia
- Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis
Category: Blood |
| Prevalence |
Extremely rare. Fewer than 100 cases in the US. No studies found. Female/Male ratio: Unknown. |
| Age of Onset |
Onset typically occurs between ages 40 and 60. |
| Description |
Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia is marked by the presence of abnormal antibodies (cryoglobulins) that clump together and become solid or gel-like at temperatures below normal body temperature (98.6 F). The exact temperature at which this occurs may vary from one person to another. When these proteins clump together in the bloodstream, they block the flow of blood to joints, muscles, and organs. Eventually, damage or inflammation of affected blood vessels (vasculitis) and surrounding tissue can develop. Cryoglobulinemia is classified as follows: Type I cryoglobulinemia (simple cryoglobulinemia), involves monoclonal immunoglobulin, usually immunoglobulin M (IgM) or, less frequently, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), or light chains. Types II and III cryoglobulinemia (mixed cryoglobulinemia) include rheumatoid factors (RFs) that are usually IgM and rarely IgG or IgA. Type II involves monoclonal rheumatoid factors; type III involves polyclonal rheumatoid factors. Types II and III cryoglobulinemia represent 80% of all cryoglobulinemias.
Evidence of autoimmunity: Immune-mediated
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| Resources |
Link to Clinical Trials
Link to PubMed |
| References |
Link to Mayo Clinic
Link to Cleveland Clinic
Link to Healthline
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Profile by: Autoimmune RegistryProfile updated September 2024Charts generated Oct 12, 2024 at 12:54 PM ET |
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