Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis


Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is a form of inflammation affecting the blood vessels caused by the deposition of abnormal proteins called cryoglobulins in the blood vessels. Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis affects the skin and causes a rash in roughly 15% of people with detectable circulating cryoglobulin proteins. Additionally, the kidneys may be affected by this form of vasculitis resulting in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Fevers, painful muscles and joints, and peripheral nerve damage are other common manifestations of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Due to deposition of complement, low levels of circulating complement factors may be seen.