What Is Cryoglobulinemia Vasculitis

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CryoVas) is a small-vessel vasculitis involving mainly the skin, the joints, the peripheral nervous system, and the kidneys. Type I CryoVas is single monoclonal immunoglobulins related to an underlying B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder.

What causes cryoglobulinemia vasculitis?

The cause of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is unknown. It occurs mainly in people with a chronic hepatitis C infection. Other viral, bacterial, and fungal infections have also been associated with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.

Is cryoglobulinemia serious?

If you have cryoglobulinemia (kry-o-glob-u-lih-NEE-me-uh), these proteins may clump together at temperatures below 98.6 F (37 C). These gelatinous protein clumps can impede your blood circulation, which can damage your skin, joints, nerves and organs — particularly your kidneys and liver.