Type 1 cryoglobulinemic neuropathy associated with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma

Excerpt

Cryoglobulinemia is characterized by the presence of serum immunoglobulins that precipitate at cold temperatures and dissolve at warmer temperatures [1]. The incidence of cryoglobulinemia is 1:100,000, and more common in females and those aged 45–65 years old [2]. Cryoglobulinemia is associated with infections, autoimmune disorders, and malignancies; the most common precipitant is hepatitis C infection [1]. Cryoglobulinemia can cause systemic vasculitis, which may lead to vascular peripheral neuropathy (VPN). Vascular peripheral neuropathy is most frequently distributed in a distal sensory or sensorimotor pattern [2]. Peripheral neuropathy has been commonly described in association with mixed cryoglobulinemia, and in association with hepatitis C infection [3]. However, there are only limited reports of an association between VPN and type 1 (IgM paraproteinemia) cryoglobulinemia [4]. …