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Cryoglobulinaemic leg ulcers associated with transient ischaemic attack

I Altunay1, B Ates, G Atis

  • 1Sisli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. ialtunay@gmail.com

Journal of Wound Care
|January 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights a patient with non-healing leg ulcers and transient ischemic attack, diagnosed with cryoglobulinemia type I. Treatment with steroids and anticoagulants successfully healed the ulcers.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Rheumatology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Cryoglobulinemia type I is a rare condition characterized by monoclonal immunoglobulins causing hyperviscosity.
  • It can manifest with diverse clinical symptoms, including skin lesions and vascular events.

Observation:

  • An 87-year-old male presented with non-healing leg ulcers and transient ischemic attack.
  • Positive serum cryoglobulins and monoclonal IgG-kappa were detected.
  • Histopathology revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis with fibrinoid deposition.

Findings:

  • Direct immunofluorescence confirmed vasculitis with immunoglobulin and complement deposition.
  • The patient was diagnosed with cryoglobulinemia type I without an underlying disease.
  • Successful treatment of leg ulcers was achieved with high-dose steroids and anticoagulants.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering cryoglobulinemia type I in patients with unexplained leg ulcers and vascular symptoms.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including immunosuppression and anticoagulation, can lead to favorable outcomes.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis and treatment of cryoglobulinemia type I is warranted.

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