Crygolobulinemia

[rasheed]

This is a topic loved by USMLE question makers although it's rather uncommon condition.

What we need to know about cryglobulinemia for the purpose of USMLE Step 2 CK is this:

Cryoglobulins:
Proteins that turn insoluble at lower body temperatures.

Causes:
Hepatitis B and C.
Mycoplasma.
Multiple Myeloma and Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
SLE and RA

Clinical features:
Meltzer's Triad = Arthralgia, Myalgia, and Purpuric rashes.
ESR is high, RF may be positive, Complement is low

Treatment:
Management of the underlying cause and sometimes plasmapheresis is needed.