A Case of Essential Cryoglobulinemic Neuropathy

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 25(2); 2007 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2007;25(2): 247-250.

본태한랭글로불린혈증성 말초신경병증 1예

이상수, 송명자a 한호성 신동익 이성현

충북대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실, 대전시립한가족노인전문병원a

A Case of Essential Cryoglobulinemic Neuropathy

Sang-Soo Lee

Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University Daejeon Municipal Hangajok Geriatric Hospital, Daejeona

Abstract

Mixed cryoglobulinemia occurs predominantly in association with chronic liver disease, infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. Mixed cryoglobulinemia is classified as essential if no primary disease is identified. We report a 42-year-old woman with a painful essential cryoglobulinemic neuropathy. She developed arthralgia, purpura, and subacute multifocal sensorimotor neuropathy. Laboratory studies did not show any associated conditions except for an elevated cryoglobulin level. An electrophysiological study and nerve biopsy were indicative of multifocal axonal neuropathy. The neuropathy was stabilized with immunosuppressive treatment. KeyWords:Cryoglobulinemia, Vasculitic neuropathy, Mononeuritis multiplex