cryoglobulinemic vasculitis PN

Gemignani F et al. Clinical spectrum of cryoglobulinemic neuropathy. JNNP 2005; 76:1410-1414.

Most common presentation is middle aged female patients who develop small fiber sensory neuropathy (73%). Less often, then sensorimotor neuropathy (18 %) then least often, mononeuritis multiplex (8%) occurs. Symptoms were tingling paresthesias (55%), sensory ataxia (38%), thermal dysesthesias (42%) pain (42%) and RLS (45 %). 29 % were asymmetrical. Patients did not have autonomic dysfunction.


Study occurred of 71 patients referred to academic center. Cryoglobulnemic syndrome was defined as intense recurring purpura and cryocrit>5 %, and "mild" syndrome with minimal purpura and cryocrit <5%. 46 % presented with PN. Hepatitis C caused the cryoglobulinemia in more than 90 %.

Comment--most cases were noo biopsied.