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Updated: Jun 15, 2025

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Mixed Cryoglobulinemia Syndrome Associated with Non-HCV B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder Presenting with Gangrene
Ayomide Sorunke1, Christopher Pinto1, Muhammad Danish Saleem2
1Instructor, Faculty of Family Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Abstract:
Mixed cryoglobulinemia is a rare disorder characterized by gangrene, weakness, and arthralgias with variable organ involvement. It is often associated with hepatitis C, HIV, and immunological disorders. Diagnosis is based on clinical features and laboratory testing with serology detecting cryoglobulins. Our patient, a 64-year-old female, presented with weakness, fatigue, and discoloration of her fingers and toes. Physical examination showed upper- and lower-extremity skin changes with dry gangrene. Serology showed a non-hepatitis C status, positive cryoglobulin test with a positive rheumatoid factor, and monoclonal IgM-kappa, confirming the diagnosis of mixed cryoglobulinemia. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulins, glucocorticoids, multiple cycles of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and plasma exchange. Following a significant event of exacerbation and relapse requiring a below-knee amputation, this case report aims to raise awareness among clinicians to consider this as a rare cause of gangrene and peripheral neuropathy in an elderly adult.

