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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
12:23
Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Essential type II mixed cryoglobulinemia causing pyoderma gangrenosum-like ulcers
M R Namazi1, K R Kerchner, R O Pichardo
1Dermatology Department, Wake-Forest University Baptist Medical Center, North Carolina, USA. namazi_mr@yahoo.com
Thescientificworldjournal
|March 13, 2008
Summary
A woman developed leg ulcers from livedoid vasculopathy, a rare condition. Diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy and linked to type II cryoglobulins in her blood.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Livedoid vasculopathy is a rare condition causing painful ulcers.
- It is characterized by inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin.
- The exact cause is often unknown, but it can be associated with clotting disorders or autoimmune conditions.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old woman presented with rapidly developing deep ulcers on her lower extremities.
- The ulcers initially appeared as blisters 6 days prior to presentation.
- She had no significant past medical history.
Findings:
- Skin biopsy confirmed livedoid vasculopathy.
- No evidence of vasculitis was found on biopsy.
- Laboratory tests revealed the presence of type II cryoglobulins.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a link between type II cryoglobulinemia and livedoid vasculopathy.
- This case highlights the importance of investigating cryoglobulins in patients with unexplained skin ulcers.
- Further research may elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms connecting cryoglobulins to livedoid vasculopathy.
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