Finger necrosis due to cryoglobulinemic vasculitis in association with membranous nephropathy

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is a small vessel vasculitis that has been associated with chronic infections and autoimmune, lymphoproliferative, and neoplastic disorders. When no significant etiological factors are identified, it is called essential mixed cryoglobulinemia. A detailed and thorough laboratory investigation is required to exclude all possible causes of cryoglobulin formation. Although cryoglobulin testing is simple, careful temperature regulation is needed to avoid false-negative results. Consensus diagnosis should be developed and implemented for appropriate cryoglobulin detection and accurate clinical diagnosis for cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Here we present an interesting, first-ever case report of a 54-year-old Hispanic-American woman with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia presenting with significant digital necrosis in association with membranous nephropathy.