AI Article Synopsis

  • * A 64-year-old female patient exhibited weakness, fatigue, and toe/finger discoloration, which, along with lab tests, led to her diagnosis of mixed cryoglobulinemia due to cryoglobulins and rheumatoid factors.
  • * The patient was treated with several therapies but suffered complications, including the need for a below-knee amputation; this case highlights the importance for doctors to recognize this condition, particularly in older patients experiencing gangrene or peripheral neuropathy.

Article Abstract

Mixed cryoglobulinemia is a rare disorder characterized by gangrene, weakness, and arthralgias with variable organ involvement. It is often associated with hepatitis C, HIV, and immunological disorders. Diagnosis is based on clinical features and laboratory testing with serology detecting cryoglobulins. Our patient, a 64-year-old female, presented with weakness, fatigue, and discoloration of her fingers and toes. Physical examination showed upper- and lower-extremity skin changes with dry gangrene. Serology showed a non-hepatitis C status, positive cryoglobulin test with a positive rheumatoid factor, and monoclonal IgM-kappa, confirming the diagnosis of mixed cryoglobulinemia. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulins, glucocorticoids, multiple cycles of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and plasma exchange. Following a significant event of exacerbation and relapse requiring a below-knee amputation, this case report aims to raise awareness among clinicians to consider this as a rare cause of gangrene and peripheral neuropathy in an elderly adult.

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