Cryofibrinogenemia in a patient with B-cell lymphoma

Cryofibrinogenemia is an uncommon cause of intravascular coagulation necrosis of the skin and occurs as a result of vascular occlusion from cryoproteins, which reversibly precipitate in cold temperatures. The disease is associated with various conditions, most commonly neoplastic and thromboembolic diseases, and produces cutaneous manifestations such as purpura, ecchymoses, gangrene, and ulcerations. Diagnosis is based on clinical cutaneous manifestations, histopathology, and the laboratory detection of cryofibrinogen precipitation. Treatment is based upon resolution of the underlying disease process or condition, although some interventions have been reported to have therapeutic efficacy. We discuss the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a case of cryofibrinogenemia in a patient with underlying B-cell lymphoma.