[Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia type II: case report.]

The cryoglobulinemic syndrome is produced by precipitating immunoglobulins at low temperatures. Its production is associated with several causes, such as lymphoproliferative disorders, chronic infections and autoimmune disorders. However, the etiology is unknow. There are three types of cryoglobulins. Type II and III are the mixed. Type III produce a systemic vasculitis with diverse clinical manifestations. Palpable purpura is the most common, accompanied by arthralgia, neuropathy and type I membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. We present a case of a 71 years old male patient with renal failure, nephritic syndrome, arterial hypertension and palpable purpuric skin lesions in members, thorax and abdomen. During hospitalization essential mixed cryoglobulinemia associated with cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis and type I membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was diagnosed. Complementary methods, treatment instituted and the patient's clinical course are described.